A man from New Hampshire is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday, facing manslaughter charges related to a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Wednesday. The crash resulted in the tragic deaths of a respected Waltham police officer, 58-year-old Paul Tracey, and a 36-year-old National Grid worker from Cambridge.
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Peter Simon, 54, hailing from Woodsville, is set to appear in Waltham District Court, where he will face two counts of manslaughter and charges of armed robbery. The incident unfolded as Simon, driving a pickup truck on Totten Pond Road around 4 p.m., abruptly pulled to the side, executed a U-turn, and allegedly collided with a vehicle traveling in the same direction. After traveling a quarter mile, Simon crashed into Officer Paul Tracey and the National Grid worker at an active worksite.
Hampshire
Subsequently, Simon collided with multiple other vehicles, abandoning his damaged truck after striking Tracey and the worker. According to officials, Simon then brandished a knife at another officer, stole his police cruiser, and fled. The pursuit concluded when Simon crashed the stolen cruiser on Winter Street, leading to his arrest following a brief foot chase.
During a late-night news conference, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Waltham Police Chief Kevin O’Connell did not confirm whether Simon’s actions were intentional. The court proceedings on Thursday are expected to provide more details on the case, and prosecutors might announce additional charges as the investigation unfolds.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay informed by downloading the free Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts and following Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter.
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