Wrong-Way Driver Charged In Highway Death Of Endicott College Police Sergeant Jeremy Cole

UPDATED 4:30 p.m.

BEVERLY, MA — The wrong-way driver accused of causing a highway crash in Newbury that killed Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole, of Exeter, NH, late last Wednesday night was charged with motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence and manslaughter on Tuesday.

The Essex County District Attorney's Office said Keoma Duarte, 40, of New Bedford had a virtual arraignment in Newburyport District Court on Tuesday after he was accused of driving his 2023 Tesla southbound in the northbound lane of Interstate 95 just prior to midnight and colliding with Cole's 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer near the Central Street overpass.

Cole was pronounced dead at the scene. Duarte was taken by MedFlight to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries.

The Essex County DA's Office said Duarte also faces several motor vehicle violations, including driving in the wrong direction on a state highway.

Duarte pled not guilty to all charges. Judge Peter Doyle set bail without prejudice at $500,000. He was scheduled for a probable cause and bail hearing on Dec. 19.

Cole was a 15-year veteran of the Endicott police force who was known for his unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being. In 2021, Cole helped save the life of a softball coach who had gone into cardiac arrest and was awarded the prestigious Lifesaving Award from the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, along with Endicott Officer Sean Gannon.

"This act of bravery was just one example of the selflessness and care that defined Jeremy's service to Endicott," Endicott College President Steven R. DiSalvo said.

Cole's memory was celebrated on the Beverly campus on Monday when students and educators returned from the Thanksgiving break.

"This is an incredibly difficult time for our department," Endicott Police Chief Kerry Ramsdell said. "We are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss.

"Sgt. Cole was not only a dedicated public servant and prior recipient of a lifesaving award, but also a cherished member of our team."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)