Credit: Tom Sofield
Two children – ages 10 and 11 – we’re threatened by a drunken man with a gun late last week, Bristol Township police say.
Police we’re called to Main and Fourth Avenues in Croydon on May 19 around 6:30 p.m. for a report of a man with a gun, court records say.
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When authorities arrived on the scene, they observed the defendant – Eddie Cole, 48, of Croydon – coming out of a culvert and seated at the entrance of the crossing, court documents, say.
One of the witnesses told police he saw Cole throw something resembling a gun away, as he exited the culvert prior to the arrival of authorities on the scene, court record show.
The witnesses told police, that while they were playing in the area, Cole had been yelling and threatening them, saying, he would “kill them if they didn’t get out of here,” police say.
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According to the affidavit of probable cause, after screaming at the kids, Cole then raise his shirt, to mid waist, where he displayed the gun for the children to see, never removing it from the waist band, however, the witnesses told police they thought the defendant was going to kill them.
The kids went to an adult in the area, told the woman what happen, and she in turn called police, court documents say.
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Police, along with Croydon Fire Chief Thomas Tryon performed a search of the area, using a heat imaging camera that is sensitive to images and or items in the surrounding area warmer then the area itself, police say.
Recovered by police was a Baby Desert Eagle .177 Caliber Co2 BB Pistol under the culvert near the area the children say they saw Cole throw the weapon, court documents say.
The weapon, according to police was a replica of a gun with an extended muzzle, resembling a .40 0r .45 caliber barrel, was loaded and pressurized for firing.
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The defendant,who was under the influence of alcohol, was arrested and taken in for processing.
Cole faces charges of simple assault, making terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and related offenses.
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He is currently in Bucks County Jail in lieu of 10 percent of $40,000
Cole is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in front of District Court Judge Frank W. Peranteau on July 3.
