North Carolina: Motorcyclist dead after crashing into Winston-Salem police vehicle

A motorcyclist has died after he crossed the center line and crashed into an unmarked Winston-Salem police vehicle, according to police.  Alex Felipe Gibbs, 27, of Rural Hall, has been identified as the motorcyclist who died.

A highway patrol trooper had tried to stop Gibbs for speeding in a 1999 Suzuki GSX1500R motorcycle on I-40 Business West near Strafford Road shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. The motorcyclist fled the scene, headed onto Peace Haven Road. He lost control and crossed the center line on Peace Haven Road near Locksley Lane, striking an unmarked police vehicle, according to officials.

The police vehicle was being driven by Cpl. William Cumbo, a 14-year-veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department. Gibbs struck the officer’s vehicle head-on and was ejected. He was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where he later died.

Cumbo was taken to Forsyth Medical Center where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. North Carolina State Highway Patrol is the lead agency in this investigation.