Charges Filed Against D.C. Government Employee
Federal prosecutors announced over the weekend that they have charged a D.C. government employee with murder following a tragic incident where he struck a Metropolitan Police Officer with his vehicle just days before Christmas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia reported that Jerrold Lonnell Coates, 47, has been charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the December 23 crash on Interstate 695, which left Officer Terry Bennett critically injured. Officer Bennett succumbed to his injuries on January 6.
Authorities stated that Mr. Coates, who is employed by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, was arrested on Friday and made his first court appearance on Saturday.
Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll expressed the challenges faced in such cases, particularly when the victim is a fellow officer. He urged the community to keep Officer Bennett’s family and department members in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Investigators revealed that Officer Bennett had responded to a minor accident around 9:50 p.m. on December 23 after another driver ran out of gas and was rear-ended by another vehicle.
While waiting for a tow truck, Officer Bennett was struck by a Volvo XC90 driven by Mr. Coates, who sped through slowed traffic, leading to the collision. The injured officer was quickly transported to a hospital for treatment.
Emergency responders attended to Mr. Coates at the scene after he lost consciousness due to the impact; they administered Narcan as part of his treatment.
The motorist who had run out of gas was unharmed in this incident. Officer Bennett, aged 32, had been in critical condition following the crash and served as an eight-year veteran with Metropolitan Police in its 1st District.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser remarked on Officer Bennett’s dedication: “He tragically lost his life in the line of duty while doing what he was known to do — helping and caring for those around him.” She highlighted his roles as a father, husband, and cherished community member.
The Metropolitan Police Department held a procession on Thursday in honor of their fallen colleague.
Before joining MPD, Officer Bennett worked as an associate dean at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast Washington and later contributed as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for their football team.Mayor Bowser noted that through coaching and mentorship, he positively influenced countless students and residents of Washington D.C., leaving behind a legacy filled with love and courage.
