Westminster — A man suspected of killing a 10-year-old boy in a drinking and driving collision in Westminster was three times over the legal limit for alcohol, police said.
Joshua J. Beadle, was charged today in Adams County District Court with vehicular homicide, criminal impersonation, driving under restraint and obstruction of a police officer.
He was driving with a suspended license, said Det. Joseph McArdle.
Beadle is being held on a $20,000 bond.
The U.S. Army has also put a hold on Beadle to prevent his release from jail, McArdle said. Beadle was charged with desertion Dec. 22.
Beadle is suspected of killing 10-year-old Cole Collins in a two-car traffic wreck at the intersection of Huron Street and 116th Avenue on Friday.
Cole was riding in a Ford Expedition with his best friend, police said. The two boys had been at Skate City and were picked up by his friend’s father for a ride home.
Cole was not buckled in at the time of the collision and the driver of the Expedition could face charges as well, McArdle said. McArdle did not identify the driver, but police have previously said he is John McQuaide.
Police said Beadle told them he was a passenger in the Jetta that hit the Expedition at the time of the accident, but witnesses said he was the driver.
Police also said Beadle initially gave them a false name and birth date when interviewed.
Cole’s family, through a spokesperson, asked the public to keep the dangers of drinking and driving in mind.
Family friend Kevin Turner recalled Cole as “a very bright and loving boy.”
“He had a talent for making people laugh,” Turner said today at a news conference.
Services for Cole will be Saturday at the Tabor Funeral Home, 75 S. 13th Ave., Brighton, at 10 a.m.
The family has set up the “Cole Collins Memorial Fund,” at the US Bank, 10520 Melody Drive, Northglenn, to help with funeral expenses.
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
