By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett died Jan. 7, 2026, from injuries sustained while helping a stranded motorist on Interstate 695 in Washington, D.C.
- Bennett was struck by a vehicle on Dec. 23, 2025, while outside his cruiser assisting the driver of a broken-down car.
- The driver who hit him remained at the scene and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries; no charges have been announced.
- Bennett was a 32-year-old native Washingtonian and an eight-year department veteran assigned to the First District.
- The crash remains under investigation by MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit.
WASHINGTON, DC — Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett died Jan. 7, 2026, from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 695 while assisting a stranded motorist, authorities said.
Bennett was outside his cruiser about 10:10 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2025, helping a driver who had run out of gas in the eastbound lanes near South Capitol Street when a second vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck him, police said. Fellow officers rendered aid, and Bennett was transported to a local hospital.
The driver who struck Bennett remained at the scene and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries; the motorist Bennett was assisting was not hurt, according to police statements. No charges have been announced, and the collision remains under investigation by MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit.
Bennett, 32, was a native of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Ballou Senior High School and Bucknell University. He joined the Metropolitan Police Department in February 2018 and served in the First District, police said.
Officials and city leaders praised Bennett’s commitment to public service and community engagement, noting his work mentoring youth and involvement in local activities. Funeral arrangements and further details were not immediately released.