What began as a routine act of duty ended in heartbreaking loss on Interstate 695.

While assisting a stranded motorist, Officer Terry Bennett was struck by a passing vehicle — a sudden, violent moment that forever changed countless lives. The impact left him with catastrophic injuries. For more than two weeks, he fought with the same strength and resolve that defined his career. On January 7, 2026, he passed away.

Officer Bennett was more than a badge and uniform. He was a husband who came home with stories from his shift, a father whose presence anchored his family, and a mentor who guided younger officers with patience and pride.

Those who worked beside him describe a man who led with calm authority, compassion, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Investigators say the driver, Jerrold Lonnell Coates, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The case has reignited urgent conversations about roadside safety and the dangers officers face while simply doing their jobs — standing between the public and harm.

Inside the department, his absence is felt in empty roll-call seats and quiet hallways. Outside, the community mourns a protector who never hesitated to stop and help.

Officer Bennett’s legacy will not be measured by the tragedy that took his life, but by the countless moments before it — the lives he touched, the guidance he gave, and the service he provided without hesitation.

Some heroes fall not in pursuit, but in protection.
And their sacrifice echoes long after the sirens fade.