Full Breakdown
D.C. Officer Terry Bennett Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle; Driver Charged with Murder
1/12/2026, 12:01:20 AM
Incident Overview
On December 23, 2025, Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett was struck and killed by a vehicle while assisting a driver whose car had run out of gas on eastbound I-695 near South Capitol Street. The driver, Jerrold Lonnell Coates, 47, has been charged with second-degree murder while armed. Prosecutors allege that Coates was traveling at a high rate of speed when he swerved and hit Officer Bennett, who was outside his marked police vehicle with emergency lights activated and road flares deployed.
Officer Bennett's Injuries and Death
Officer Bennett, 32, sustained severe injuries from the impact, including a traumatic brain injury and possible spinal injury. He was transported to Washington Hospital Center, where he remained in a coma for 18 days before being pronounced dead on January 7, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Nadia Bennett, and their three-year-old son.
Charges Against Jerrold Coates
Jerrold Coates was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on January 10, 2026. During the investigation, law enforcement officials noted that Coates appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro stated that Coates smelled of alcohol and had to be revived with Narcan at the scene. Preliminary toxicology reports indicated the presence of both drugs and alcohol in his system.
Coates has a history of minor criminal offenses, including a weapons charge in 2024, and is employed by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. Following the incident, he was ordered held without bond by a D.C. judge, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 2, 2026.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of Officer Bennett's death, law enforcement officers lined the streets of D.C. to honor him. His wife, Nadia, established a GoFundMe page to support their son, emphasizing her husband's dedication to serving the community. She described Bennett as a mentor and coach who was committed to helping others, stating, “Terry was taken from us while doing what he always did — helping someone in need.”
Criticism & Opposition
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns regarding Coates' condition at the time of the crash. Critics have pointed to the need for stricter enforcement of laws regarding impaired driving, especially given Coates' history and the allegations of substance use during the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're very concerned about what his condition was at the time that he hit Officer Bennett,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.
- “Terry was taken from us while doing what he always did — helping someone in need,” — Nadia Bennett, Wife of Officer Terry Bennett.
What's Next
The case against Jerrold Coates is ongoing, with a preliminary hearing set for February 2, 2026. Further developments are expected as toxicology reports are finalized and additional charges may be considered based on the findings.
