Authorities have identified the man who died in a crash during a police pursuit Thursday evening in Tuscaloosa as 31-year-old Jaylen Reed, a resident of Aliceville.
According to Captain Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit, the incident began around 7:00 p.m. on July 17, 2025, when a Tuscaloosa Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic violations near Cousette Street and the Interstate 359 overpass.
Reed, confirmed as the driver, immediately fled at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, he drove through several intersections before veering off the roadway and crashing into a ditch and culvert near Tamko Building Products.
Emergency responders found Reed unresponsive at the scene with severe injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead after being transported to DCH Regional Medical Center.
Officials confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no bystanders or officers were injured.
Due to the involvement of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the investigation has been assigned to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, which operates independently, to ensure transparency. The Northport Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is assisting in the probe.
Investigators have gathered multiple witness statements and video evidence, with Captain Kennedy noting that the entire sequence—from the activation of the officer’s emergency lights to the crash—lasted less than 30 seconds.
Authorities also revealed that Reed had multiple active felony warrants at the time of the incident.
The investigation into the pursuit and crash remains ongoing as officials continue to review evidence and circumstances surrounding the event.
