A Danielson, CT, man has been charged with driving under the influence, death resulting, in connection with a fatal three-car crash on Harford Pike (Route 101) in Foster on January 29. The crash was investigated by Rhode Island State Police and the Foster Police Department.

James E. Beattie, 39, of 88 F. Reynolds St., Danielson, who was seriously injured in the crash, was arraigned this morning at his bedside in Rhode Island Hospital on an arrest warrant charging him with:

• Driving to endanger, resulting in death
• Driving to endanger, resulting in physical injury
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resulting in death
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resulting in serious bodily injury
• Possession of child pornography

Major Dennis Fleming, Detective Commander for the Rhode Island State Police, said the investigation showed that Beattie was allegedly under the influence of cocaine and marijuana when the accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. that day.

Beattie’s car was heading westbound when he allegedly crossed into the eastbound lane and struck another car head-on, causing that car to spin and strike a third car, Fleming said.

Beattie and a passenger in his car, a 38-year-old Warwick resident, were seriously injured in the crash, Fleming said. They were admitted to Rhode Island Hospital, where Beattie remains a patient.

The driver of the car struck head-on was identified as Orlando E. Colon, 40, of Southbridge, MA, who was killed as a result of the crash, Fleming said. The driver and passenger in the third car were treated at Rhode Island Hospital and later released.

During the investigation, police learned that Beattie was allegedly under the influence of marijuana and cocaine at the time of the crash, Fleming said. He also allegedly had child pornography on his cell phone. As a result of their investigation, Rhode Island State Police and Foster Police obtained a warrant charging Beattie with the above crimes, leading to his arraignment this morning. He was released on personal recognizance, pending further court action.