Construction workers prepare to remove a steel beam from a car after a fatal accident at the I-215 and U.S. 95 interchange under construction in the northwest valley Friday, June 10, 2022.
Published Friday, June 10, 2022 | 10:38 a.m.
Updated Friday, June 10, 2022 | 5:17 p.m.
Justin Terry
A Metro Police officer was killed today when a steel crossbar marking low clearance at a freeway construction project was hit by a passing truck and collapsed atop his vehicle, authorities said.
A police procession on U.S. 95 to the downtown Clark County Coroner's Office followed the removal of the officer's body more than six hours after the 7 a.m. incident at U.S. 95 and the 215 Beltway in northwest Las Vegas.
Metro Police identified the officer as Detective Justin Terry, 45. He was on duty in an unmarked Metro vehicle at the time, police said.
The beam was put in place so tall vehicles would hit it before striking a nearby bridge under construction, Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman Justin Hopkins said. The truck that hit the beam was not associated with the construction project, he said.
Traffic was diverted at Centennial Parkway, and motorists were advised to avoid the area, according to a tweet from the Nevada State Police.
Terry, who joined Metro in 2001, was assigned to the Homicide Sex Crimes Bureau, Sexual Assault & Abuse Section.
He started the enduro program at Metro's Southeast Area Command, making it possible for officers to ride dirt bikes into hard-to-reach locations to serve the homeless. He was also assigned to the sexual offender apprehension detail for seven years and worked with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Metro said.
Clark County Commission Chairman Jim Gibson called Terry "a dedicated public servant who made our community a better place to live, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
In a tweet, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman called the wreck a “tragic and bizarre accident” and offered prayers to Terry's family and "our entire law enforcement corps of service personnel. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
Terry is survived by his wife and two sons.
His family requested that donations be made to the Injured Police Officers Fund. Visit IPOF.vegas for more information.
Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a statement of condolences for Terry's family.
“Kathy and I join the law enforcement community and so many more in mourning Detective Justin Terry, who was killed on duty today. We're sending our love and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
U.S. 95 is expected to reopen about 8 p.m., according to a statement from Nevada Department of Transportation.
Las Vegas Sun reporter Casey Harrison and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
