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Accident – death – Obituary News : WALTHAM, Mass. — A tragic hit-and-run crash on Totten Pond Road in Waltham, Massachusetts, has claimed the lives of a dedicated police officer and a utility worker. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Paul Tracey, a veteran officer with 28 years of service, and a 36-year-old man from Cambridge. The utility worker was employed by National Grid, a prominent energy company. The loss of these two individuals has deeply impacted their families, friends, and colleagues.
The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Peter Simon from Woodsville, New Hampshire, is now facing serious charges. Simon has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and armed robbery, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. More charges are expected to be added as the investigation progresses. Simon is scheduled to be arraigned in Waltham District Court on Thursday.
According to District Attorney Marian Ryan, the incident unfolded around 4 p.m. when Simon, driving his pickup truck eastbound on Totten Pond Road, abruptly pulled to the side of the road and attempted to make a U-turn. In the process, he collided with the car behind him. Instead of stopping, Simon continued driving for about a quarter of a mile before striking Tracey and three other National Grid workers at a nearby work site. Tragically, Tracey and one of the workers from Cambridge lost their lives in the collision.
The two surviving National Grid workers were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, one of them has already been treated and released, while the other continues to receive medical care.
In a shocking turn of events, Simon did not stop after hitting the workers. He continued driving and collided with two other vehicles before abandoning his truck and fleeing on foot into the surrounding neighborhood. Simon’s actions displayed a complete disregard for human life and safety.
During his escape, Simon allegedly confronted a police officer nearby, brandishing a knife and stealing the officer’s cruiser. However, his attempt to evade capture was short-lived, as he crashed the stolen cruiser on Winter Street. Simon then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by law enforcement officers. He is currently in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Videos captured by witnesses show the stolen police cruiser speeding away from pursuing officers, highlighting the dangerous nature of Simon’s actions.
The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the community and beyond. National Grid expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the crew members, their families, and loved ones.”
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the State Police Detectives, crime scene technicians, MSP Collision Recon, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and Waltham Police, are actively investigating the incident to gather all necessary evidence and determine the full extent of the tragedy.
As of now, no further information regarding the motives behind Simon’s actions has been made available.
In the wake of this devastating event, the Greg Hill Foundation has established a fund to collect donations for the victims and their families. This initiative aims to provide support and assistance during this difficult time.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. The community remains in shock and mourning, grappling with the loss of a dedicated police officer and a utility worker who were taken too soon.
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