Man in Custody for Striking and Killing Waltham Police Officer and Utility Worker in Massachusetts

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Man Arrested in Massachusetts After Fatally Striking Police Officer and Utility Worker

WALTHAM, Massachusetts – In a tragic incident that unfolded on Wednesday, a man has been taken into custody after striking and killing a police officer and a National Grid utility worker with his car. The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Peter Simon from Woodsville, New Hampshire, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and armed robbery. Two other National Grid utility workers were also injured in the crash.

According to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred on Totten Pond Road in Waltham. Simon was driving a pickup truck when he suddenly pulled to the side of the road and attempted to execute a U-turn. However, he abruptly turned back into the roadway, resulting in a collision.

After the initial collision, Simon continued driving for approximately a quarter mile before fatally striking Waltham police officer Paul Tracey, 58, and the utility worker, a 36-year-old man from Cambridge. Officer Tracey was on duty, working a police detail at a National Grid work site at the time of the crash.

Following the fatal collision, Simon did not stop. Instead, he continued driving, striking multiple other vehicles before abandoning his truck and fleeing on foot. During his escape, Simon encountered another Waltham police officer who had responded to the scene. Allegedly, Simon pulled out a knife and attempted to attack the officer before stealing his police car and fleeing once again.

The pursuit came to an end when Simon crashed the stolen police cruiser and attempted to flee on foot. However, he was apprehended by Waltham police officers after a brief foot chase.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Waltham Police, and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office are actively investigating this incident. It is crucial to note that this investigation is still ongoing.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Waltham community and beyond. The loss of a dedicated police officer and a utility worker has deeply impacted their families, colleagues, and the entire community. The Waltham Police Department and National Grid have expressed their condolences and are providing support to the affected families.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office has set up a dedicated hotline for tips related to this case.

This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers and utility workers face while carrying out their duties. The community is mourning the loss of Officer Tracey and the utility worker, and their memories will forever be honored.

As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to support the families affected by this tragedy. Counseling services and resources have been made available to those in need.

It is essential for everyone on the road to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent such tragic incidents. Authorities are urging drivers to obey traffic laws, stay focused while driving, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

As the legal process unfolds, the community will be closely following the developments in this case. The arrest of the suspect brings a sense of relief, but the healing process will take time for those affected by this devastating tragedy..