Left: Keoma Duarte (New Hampshire State Police). Right: Sgt. Jeremy Cole (Endicott College).
Authorities in New Hampshire charged a wrong-way Tesla driver who killed a police officer on his way home at the end of his shift.
Keoma Duarte, aged 40, faces allegations involving two felony charges of reckless conduct and a misdemeanor charge of defying an officer in connection to the November incident that led to the death of Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole. Duarte was already charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence, reckless driving, manslaughter, and motor vehicle homicide due to reckless operation in Massachusetts, where the fatal accident took place.
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Shortly before midnight on November 27, New Hampshire State Police troopers noticed Duarte’s 2023 Tesla Model Y driving the wrong direction on Interstate 95 in Hampton. Police pursued him, but he persisted in fleeing, crossing into Massachusetts. Authorities claim Duarte collided head-on with Cole, 49, who was on his way home from work.
Medics pronounced Cole dead at the scene, while they transported Duarte to a Boston hospital by air for treatment of severe injuries. Despite the crash, Duarte attempted to give the impression that he had not been involved in an accident.
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“Up until the point where he was eventually taken to the hospital, he continued to deny to police he had been in an accident, even though his car was crushed and he had, in essence, crushed Sgt. Cole,” said prosecutor James Gubotose, according to local ABC affiliate WCVB.
Cops said they could immediately smell booze emanating from Duarte when they rescued him from the car. They also noted that the defendant tried to stop at a liquor store in New Hampshire but it was closed. That’s when he entered I-95 from the wrong direction and traveled some 15 miles, authorities say.
A New Hampshire judge arraigned Duarte on the latest charges on Wednesday. He has since bonded out of jail.
Cole worked with the police department at Endicott College for 15 years. Known as “J. Cole,” he received an award after he saved the life of an assistant softball coach who went into cardiac arrest on campus in 2021.
“This act of bravery was just one example of the selflessness and care that defined Jeremy’s service to Endicott,” said President Steven R. DiSalvo.
Added DiSalvo: “J. Cole was the consummate student-focused representative of the Endicott community. I witnessed his interactions with students at athletics events, in the dining hall, at open house events and during his everyday duties on campus. He was loved and respected by all at the Nest. Eileen and I will miss his genuine kindness and his warm sense of humor.”
