Driver Charged With Murder in Death of D.C. Police Officer
What to Know
- Jerrold Coates was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with Officer Bennett's death.
- The crash happened on December 23 on Interstate 695, where Bennett was assisting a disabled vehicle when he was struck.
- Coates was found unconscious at the scene and received naloxone; marijuana was found in his vehicle, with toxicology results pending.
WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia man has been charged in connection with the death of Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett, who died following a roadside crash last month, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Jerrold Coates, 47, of Northwest D.C., was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, reported by WJLA-TV.
The charge stems from a Dec. 23 incident on Interstate 695 near South Capitol Street, where Bennett was struck while assisting a disabled motorist.
Officer Bennett, 32, sustained critical injuries in the crash and remained hospitalized for several weeks before dying from those injuries, authorities said.
Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said Bennett was standing outside his marked patrol vehicle when Coates, who police allege was driving at a high rate of speed, approached in slow-moving traffic. Carroll said Coates was allegedly driving erratically and attempting to change lanes when his vehicle struck Bennett. The vehicle continued forward and came to rest after hitting the rear of Bennett’s police cruiser.
First responders found Coates unconscious at the scene and administered naloxone, police said. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators said marijuana was located inside Coates’ vehicle, but toxicology results are still pending to determine whether impairment was a factor. Police said additional charges may be considered once those results are available.
Bennett was also found unconscious at the scene. Fellow officers immediately rendered aid before he was transported to the hospital.
Authorities said Coates uses a wheelchair and his vehicle was equipped with hand controls. Police have not disclosed the nature of his medical condition.
During a news conference announcing the arrest, Carroll emphasized the impact of Bennett’s death on the department and the community, noting the extended hospitalization and the support shown by officers and residents during Bennett’s escort from the hospital.
Coates is employed by the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation, according to police. In a statement to 7News, the agency said it does not comment publicly on personnel matters but will proceed in accordance with District law when considering employee conduct.
The investigation remains ongoing.