WALTHAM, Mass. — A tragic hit-and-run crash on Totten Pond Road in Waltham has claimed the lives of a police officer and a utility worker. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The police officer has been identified as 58-year-old Paul Tracey, a dedicated veteran of the force with 28 years of service. The utility worker, a 36-year-old man from Cambridge, remains unnamed.
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Authorities have charged Peter Simon, a 54-year-old man from Woodsville, New Hampshire, with two counts of manslaughter and armed robbery. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office has stated that more charges are expected. 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. Simon was driving his pickup truck eastbound on Totten Pond Road when he abruptly pulled over and attempted to make a U-turn. In doing so, he collided with the car behind him. Simon continued driving for about a quarter of a mile, striking Tracey and three other National Grid workers at a work site. Tracey and a worker from Cambridge tragically lost their lives in the crash.
The two surviving National Grid workers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. One has since been released, while the other remains under medical care.
After hitting the workers, Simon allegedly continued driving and collided with two other vehicles before abandoning his truck. He then fled on foot into the surrounding neighborhood. In a shocking turn of events, Simon reportedly pulled a knife on a nearby officer and stole his cruiser, only to crash it on Winter Street. He attempted to flee on foot again but was eventually apprehended by law enforcement.
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The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing, with State Police Detectives, crime scene technicians, MSP Collision Recon, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and Waltham Police working together to gather evidence and determine the full extent of the incident.
National Grid expressed its condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the crew members, their families, and loved ones.”
The Greg Hill Foundation has set up a fund to collect donations for the victims of the crash, offering support to the grieving families.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated police officer and a utility worker, they are reminded to stay vigilant and support one another during this difficult time.
