WASHINGTON — Jerrold Coates was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Officer Terry Bennett, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The incident has garnered significant attention, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement while on duty.
Coates, 47, who is employed by the District of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation, was involved in the tragic events surrounding Officer Bennett’s passing. Bennett, 32, succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash on December 23, while assisting a motorist on Interstate 695.
Details surrounding the incident indicate that Coates was driving at a high speed when he struck Bennett, who was standing beside his vehicle. Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll explained at a recent briefing that Coates allegedly maneuvered through slow traffic erratically before colliding with the officer, who was outside his marked cruiser at the time.
Emergency responders found Bennett unresponsive at the scene and administered immediate medical assistance before transporting him to a hospital. Tragically, despite efforts to save him, Bennett later passed away from his injuries. Coates was also transported to the hospital after first responders administered naloxone at the site of the collision.
Law enforcement officials are currently awaiting toxicology results to determine if Coates was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. Depending on those findings, additional charges could be forthcoming.
Notably, Coates uses a wheelchair, and police have indicated that he had installed hand brakes in his vehicle. However, further details regarding his specific condition remain unclear.
The Department of Parks and Recreation, when approached for a comment regarding Coates’s arrest and its implications, stated that they consider various factors in handling personnel matters but do not disclose specifics due to confidentiality.
As developments continue, a preliminary hearing for Coates is expected soon. The call for accountability in this tragic case reflects the broader concerns over roadway safety and the protections necessary for law enforcement officers.