Driver Arrested After Fleeing Crash and Stealing Police Cruiser, Faces Manslaughter Charges: Victim Identified as Paul Tracey

Accident – death – Obituary News : Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash and Police Cruiser Theft

WOODSVILLE, N.H. – A driver, identified as Peter Simon, 54, of Woodsville, N.H., was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash on foot and stealing a police cruiser, which he later crashed, according to officials. Simon is now facing two counts of manslaughter, an armed robbery charge, and possibly more charges, Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan announced. He is expected to be arraigned in Waltham District Court on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday when Simon, driving a pickup truck eastbound on Totten Pond Road, suddenly pulled onto the shoulder and attempted to make a U-turn. In the process, he collided with a Jeep before continuing down the road and striking Paul Tracey, who was working a utility detail, as well as three National Grid workers, Ryan explained. Simon abandoned the truck and fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood, where he encountered a Waltham police officer. Allegedly, Simon pulled a knife on the officer and stole his police cruiser. However, he crashed the stolen vehicle on Winter Street and attempted to flee once again before being apprehended by police.

District Attorney Ryan emphasized the danger that officers and workers face while performing their jobs on roadways. She stated, “It’s important to remember that these two men were doing their job at 4 o’clock in the afternoon when they were killed. Crashes like this happen far too often.” Ryan added that the loss of life is particularly poignant at the beginning of the holiday season.

Paul Tracey, who resided in Waltham, was married to another Waltham police officer. Waltham Police Chief Keith O’Connell expressed his condolences, saying, “Tonight, I stand before you on behalf of the men and women in the Waltham Police Department with the heaviest of hearts. Paul Tracey served this great city with distinction. He was a compassionate police officer that always looked out for the underdog. He was an amazing husband, a loving father.”

Both Waltham police and State Police are conducting an investigation into the incident, and more details are expected to be revealed during Simon’s arraignment.

National Grid, the utility company for which the workers were employed, confirmed that multiple employees were injured in the incident. One worker sustained serious injuries, while another was treated and released from the hospital. A spokesperson for National Grid expressed sympathy for the crew members and their families.

The crash occurred on Totten Pond Road, a major commercial and residential road in Waltham, off Route 128. The scene of the accident remained active late into the night as investigators gathered evidence. Two wrecked vehicles, a silver sedan, and a silver pickup truck, sat facing each other head-on on the side of the road. Nearby, a National Grid utility truck and a front loader were parked, while representatives from the company assisted with the investigation.

In Boston, a somber scene unfolded as law enforcement vehicles lined Albany Street, awaiting the arrival of the deceased officer’s body at the state medical examiner’s office. However, it was later announced that the body would not arrive that night.

Law enforcement agencies took to social media to express their condolences. The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association wrote, “Sad news out of Waltham. Officer working a public safety detail was struck and killed by a motor vehicle earlier this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother and sister officers in Waltham and all impacted by this terrible tragedy.” The MBTA Transit Police Department also offered their condolences, stating, “We offer our most sincere condolences to the men and women of the Waltham police… R.I.P.”

The Newton Police Department posted a photo of a Waltham Police Department badge with a black stripe, a symbol of mourning in law enforcement, on their Facebook page. They extended their thoughts and prayers to the Waltham Police Department and the injured National Grid workers.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward..