Holly MatkinLas Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Detective Justin Terry died in the line of duty on June 10 when an overpass beam was hit by a piece of heavy equipment and fell down onto the roadway.
Det. Terry was traveling southbound through a construction zone on U.S. 95 near the 215 Northern Beltway at approximately 7:04 a.m. on June 10 when a semi-truck hauling a piece of large equipment hit an overhead “early warning beam” intended to warn drivers about the height of the upcoming bridge, a Nevada Department of Transportation spokesperson told KTNV.
After it was struck by the passing semi-truck’s load, the beam fell down onto two concrete construction barriers erected on either side of the roadway.
Det. Terry, who was traveling in a silver sedan directly behind the tractor-trailer, then collided with the fallen beam, KVVU reported.
The 45-year-old detective did not survive the impact.
“On behalf of all Clark County residents, we join with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in mourning the tragic death of Detective Justin Terry,” Clark County Commission Chairman Jim Gibson said in a statement to KVVU.
“Detective Terry was a dedicated public servant who made our community a better place to live, and he will be sorely missed,” Gibson continued. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Det. Terry joined the LVMPD in 2001, KVVU reported.
He was most recently assigned to the Sexual Assault and Abuse Section of the Homicide Sex Crimes Bureau and had also served with the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
Det. Terry was credited with helping establish the LVMPD’s Enduro Program, which trained officers to use dirt bikes to access difficult-to-reach locations to better serve the homeless population, KVVU reported.
The department said it is “heartbroken” over the loss of the longtime detective.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Det. Justin Terry,” the LVMPD tweeted on Friday. “He was a well-respected guardian of this community. We honor his life and we will never forget his dedication and service to all of us. Rest now Sir, we have the watch from here.”
Det. Terry leaves behind his wife and two sons, KVVU reported.
He will be laid to rest on Friday, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
We are mourning the loss of LVMPD Detective Justin Terry.
He served this department for nearly 21 years in a variety of roles.
Most recently, he served in our Homicide Sex Crimes Bureau. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/r0ZDai04B5— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 10, 2022
We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Det. Justin Terry.
He was a well-respected guardian of this community.
We honor his life and we will never forget his dedication and service to all of us.Rest now Sir, we have the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/KZ26U9PmUp
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 10, 2022
A procession of various #LVMPD motorcycles and cruisers are being lined up at the crash site. An incredibly somber sight. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/lgYV6mvV03
— Jeremy Chen (@JeremyChenKTNV) June 10, 2022
Our Department of Public Safety has asked officers to shroud their badges for @LVMPD’s Detective Justin Terry.
A shrouded badge is when a black band is placed over their badges in mourning after a fellow officer is killed in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/AUM7VedXL4
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) June 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Detective Justin Terry, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
