Police Seek Public’s Help in Waltham Crash Investigation

WALTHAM, MASS. – The Waltham Police Department is appealing to the public for assistance in their ongoing investigation into a fatal crash that claimed the lives of a police officer and a utility worker. The incident occurred on December 6 on Totten Pond Road. While the alleged driver initially fled the scene and even stole a police cruiser, he was eventually apprehended and now faces charges including manslaughter.

Authorities are now urging anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything relevant to the investigation to come forward, regardless of how insignificant the information may seem. Trained investigators believe even the smallest details could prove valuable in their pursuit of justice. If you have any information, please reach out to the Waltham Police Department or the Massachusetts State Police.

Appeal for Witnesses

In particular, investigators are keen to speak with individuals who were driving through the accident scene just before the crash occurred. Additionally, if you were present at the scene and have not yet been interviewed by the police, please contact the authorities to provide your account of the incident.

Furthermore, if you possess any cell phone video, home camera footage, or video recorded by an onboard vehicle camera that may be relevant to the case, please review the footage and share it with the investigative team.

To provide information, you can send an email to tips@police.waltham.ma.us, call 781-314-3636, or reach out via Facebook Messenger.

Memorial Services for the Fallen

The fallen officer in the tragic crash has been identified as Paul Tracey, aged 58. A visitation will be held on Thursday at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted church in Waltham, followed by funeral services on Friday at the same location.

The utility worker who lost his life in the incident has been identified as Roderick Jackson, aged 36. A visitation and funeral service have been scheduled for Saturday at St. Paul AME church in Cambridge.

The Alleged Perpetrator

Authorities have accused Peter Simon, aged 54, from New Hampshire, of crashing his pickup truck into a utility worksite where Tracey and Jackson were working at around 4 p.m. on December 6. After the initial collision, Simon allegedly struck several other vehicles on Totten Pond Road. He then fled the scene on foot, before seizing a police cruiser at knifepoint and leading officers on a pursuit. The chase ultimately ended with Simon crashing again and being taken into custody.

Simon made his first court appearance last week, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The judge subsequently ordered that he be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.