“Truck Driver with ‘Unbroken Chain’ of Crimes Kills Massachusetts Police Officer and Utility Employee: Peter Simon’s History of Violence”

– Man denied bail in Massachusetts crash that killed officer
– Man denied bail in Massachusetts crash that killed utility worker.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) — A truck driver who tragically struck a Massachusetts police officer and a utility employee, then pulled a knife on another officer, stole his cruiser, and crashed, has a long history of criminal activity dating back to 1996, according to a prosecutor’s statement during a detention hearing on Thursday.

During the hearing, a judge ruled that Peter Simon, a 54-year-old resident of Woodsville, New Hampshire, will remain in custody without bail until his trial. Simon is facing charges related to the devastating crashes that occurred on December 6 in Waltham, resulting in the deaths of Waltham police Officer Paul Tracey, 58, and Roderick Jackson, a 36-year-old National Grid worker from Cambridge.

Simon’s next hearing is scheduled for February 29. His lawyer, Lynda Dantas, acknowledged that some charges on his record had been dismissed and emphasized the presence of “significant mental health issues,” although she did not provide specific details.

Dantas argued that Simon has a “complete mental health network” in New Hampshire and a place to reside, requesting home confinement with electronic monitoring. She further requested permission for Simon to leave only for necessary medical treatment.

Prosecutors, however, highlighted Simon’s past instances of fleeing from authorities in New Hampshire. This history of evading law enforcement raises concerns about his potential flight risk.

In 2009, Simon led police on a high-speed chase through multiple parking lots in Keene, reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph before crashing into a passenger bus. The impact caused an explosion of debris and ignited a fire in the truck. Simon managed to escape the vehicle and was subsequently apprehended in a nearby restaurant.

Another incident occurred in 2016 when police responded to an assault report at a Franklin residence. Simon, driving a van, attempted to evade the authorities but ended up crashing into a fence.

Simon now faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, armed robbery, assault, and leaving the scene of an accident. Additional charges, such as negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop for a police officer, were added during his recent court appearance. Not guilty pleas have been entered on his behalf for all charges.

Prior to this series of events, Simon had already served time in both the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire state corrections department and the state prison. His previous convictions included offenses related to reckless conduct and assault.

In conclusion, the detention hearing regarding Peter Simon’s involvement in the tragic crashes that claimed the lives of a Massachusetts police officer and a utility worker highlighted his extensive criminal background. As the legal proceedings progress, his lawyer’s emphasis on his mental health issues and the prosecution’s concerns about his previous attempts to evade authorities add further complexity to the case. Simon’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 29..

– Man denied bail in Massachusetts crash that killed officer and utility worker
– Massachusetts crash that killed officer and utility worker, man denied bail.