TROY, Ala. — Authorities have released the identities of two Troy residents who were killed in a deadly crash early Sunday morning following an attempt to flee from a Troy University police officer. The tragic incident has shaken the community and highlights the dangers associated with high-speed driving and attempting to evade law enforcement.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the victims were identified as 52-year-old Rosolando V. Givens and 45-year-old Alkesa S. Liptrot, both of Troy. ALEA confirmed that both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene after suffering fatal injuries in the crash. Officials released their identities Monday morning as the investigation continued.
The incident occurred around 1:48 a.m. on February 8 near the Troy University campus. Investigators said a university police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2008 Audi A4 that was stopped on Elm Street. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver suddenly fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
ALEA officials said the officer followed the vehicle for a short distance before the Audi left the roadway. The car then struck a utility pole with significant force, causing severe damage. Emergency crews responded quickly, but both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of their injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Givens was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Liptrot was a passenger. Investigators also revealed that neither individual was wearing a seatbelt. Officials noted that the lack of seatbelt use likely increased the severity of the injuries, especially given the speed and the impact with a fixed object.
The crash remains under investigation by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division. Investigators are reviewing the events leading up to the attempted traffic stop and the moments before the vehicle left the roadway. As the Troy community mourns the loss of two lives, officials are reminding drivers of the importance of obeying traffic laws, never fleeing from law enforcement, and always wearing seatbelts. Additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
