A D.C. man has been charged in connection with the death of a Metropolitan Police officer during a traffic incident last month. Jerrold Lonnell Coates, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Officer Terry Bennett of the Metropolitan Police Department died from injuries sustained on the night of December 23, 2025.
The case escalated after Officer Bennett died last Wednesday, moving quickly into the legal system. According to the U.S Department of Justice, Coates’ vehicle struck Officer Bennett at high speed while the officer was directing traffic following an unrelated crash. Coates appeared in court yesterday before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Philip A. Medley, who found probable cause that he committed the offense.
During the incident, Officer Bennett was reportedly outside his marked cruiser with its lights activated, assisting a driver on eastbound I-695 near the 3rd Street tunnel merger. Coates, driving a silver 2007 Volvo XC90, struck Bennett, causing blunt force trauma that led to a traumatic brain injury and a possible spinal injury. Despite lifesaving efforts, Officer Bennett died earlier this month.
The case remains under investigation following Officer Bennett’s death. Coates, who appeared before Judge Medley without bond, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 2, with Judge Rainey Brandt presiding. Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department participated in announcing the arrest and charges. The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter handling the prosecution. Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Coates is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The preliminary hearing next month is expected to provide more details on the circumstances of the case and the legal proceedings for the accused.
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