Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : WALTHAM, MASS. (WHDH) – Authorities in Waltham are seeking the public’s assistance in their ongoing investigation into a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a police officer and a utility worker. The incident occurred on December 6 on Totten Pond Road, and though the alleged driver initially fled the scene, he was later apprehended and charged with manslaughter, among other offenses.
One week after the devastating crash, the Waltham Police and the Massachusetts State Police issued a joint statement, urging anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything related to the incident to come forward. They emphasized that even seemingly insignificant details could hold evidentiary value and requested the cooperation of the public.
Specifically, the authorities are interested in speaking with individuals who drove through the accident scene immediately before the collision. They also called on anyone who was present at the scene but has not yet been interviewed to contact investigators. Furthermore, they encouraged individuals with any relevant video footage, including cell phone, home camera, or onboard vehicle camera recordings, to review their footage and share it with the authorities.
To facilitate communication, the public was provided with multiple contact options. They could reach out by email at tips@police.waltham.ma.us, by phone at 781-314-3636, or through Facebook Messenger via the Waltham Police’s official page.
The fallen officer was identified as Paul Tracey, aged 58. A visitation for Tracey will take place on Thursday at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted church in Waltham, followed by funeral services on Friday, also at the same location. The utility worker who tragically lost his life in the crash was identified as Roderick Jackson, aged 36. His visitation and funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at St. Paul AME church in Cambridge.
Authorities have accused Peter Simon, a 54-year-old resident of New Hampshire, of crashing his pickup truck into the utility worksite where Tracey and Jackson were on duty. Simon allegedly struck several other vehicles on Totten Pond Road before fleeing on foot. He then reportedly stole a police cruiser at knifepoint and engaged in a high-speed chase before crashing once again and being apprehended.
Simon made his initial court appearance last week, during which a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He is currently being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
As the investigation continues, the Waltham Police and Massachusetts State Police are relying on the cooperation and assistance of the public to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.