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one washingtonDC Metropolitan Police An officer died last month after he was hit by a car while helping a stranded driver, the department announced Thursday.
Terry Bennett, 32, has been hospitalized since he was hit by a passing vehicle on Dec. 23 while helping a motorist who ran out of gas. The driver who hit him remains at the scene. A spokesman for the police department said no charges have been filed but the incident remains under investigation.
Bennett’s death comes at a challenging time for the region’s police department, Police Chairman Donald Trump He took over for a month last year as part of the government’s so-called crime-fighting mission. The police force has come under scrutiny for working with federal agents, including immigration enforcement officials, and its police chief recently stepped down.
“The men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department stand shoulder to shoulder with Officer Bennett’s family and friends as they bear this unimaginable loss,” Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said in a statement. “Officer Bennett was an exemplary police officer, a native Washingtonian who wanted to make a positive impact in his community and worked to improve the lives of young people. This loss is devastating to our department and our city. I ask all Washingtonians to reflect on Officer Bennett’s sacrifice and to keep his family in your prayers.”
Bennett is survived by his wife and son; his father is a former police department officer. He joined the department in February 2018.
mayor Muriel Bowser Praising Bennett, he said he lost his life “doing what he knew – helping and caring for those around him.” She said the officer had a strong commitment to the community. Prior to joining the department, he served as an associate dean at his alma mater Ballou High School and most recently served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Ballou football team. “Through his guidance, guidance and public service, he impacted the lives of countless students and Washingtonians and left a legacy of love and courage,” she said.
Bowser offered his prayers to the officer, his family and fellow officers.
Hundreds of police, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police and National Guard members lined North Capitol Street Thursday as his body was moved four miles away from MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Forensic.
Bennett is the 127th line-of-duty death in the department’s 164-year history and the first since 2024.