Massachusetts police officer, utility worker killed in crash; police vehicle stolen

WALTHAM, Mass. (WLNE) -- A man is expected to face a judge in Massachusetts after allegedly crashing into a construction area and killing a Waltham police officer and a National Grid utility worker. The crash happened around 4 p.m. Wednesday on Totten Pond Road in Waltham.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said 54-year-old Peter Simon, of Woodsville, New Hampshire, was driving a pickup truck eastbound when he pulled to the side of the road and abruptly turned back into the road, trying to make a U-turn.

A Massachusetts police officer and a National Grid utility worker were killed in a crash in Waltham, Wednesday, Dec.

6, 2023. (WCVB) Simon struck a vehicle and kept driving forward, fatally hitting Officer Paul Tracey, and the utility worker, a 36-year-old Cambridge man. Tracey, 58, of Waltham, was working a police detail at a National Grid work site at the time of the crash.

"Our prayers are with both men this night," Massachusetts State Police said in a social media post. "Troopers continue to work with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office to investigate the facts and circumstances of the criminal acts that caused their deaths, in order to hold accountable the person responsible for this horrific event." Two other National Grid workers were hurt in the crash. One was also brought to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released.

Ryan said Simon kept driving and hit several vehicles before leaving his truck and taking off on foot. He is further accused of pulling a knife on another Waltham officer, who had responded to the scene, and stealing his cruiser.

A Massachusetts police officer and a National Grid utility worker were killed in a crash in Waltham, Wednesday, Dec.

6, 2023. (WCVB) Simon fled in the cruiser, crashed it on Winter Street, and took off a second time, Ryan said.

Waltham officers chased after him and took him into custody.

Simon was charged with two counts of manslaughter and armed robbery.

Ryan said additional charges are likely at his arraignment in Waltham District Court.