Man Accused of Killing Waltham Police Officer and National Grid Employee Ordered to Remain in Jail
WALTHAM, MASS. – Peter Simon, a 54-year-old man from New Hampshire, has been ordered to stay in jail following a dangerousness hearing on Thursday. The hearing was held in relation to the incident that occurred last month, where Simon allegedly killed a Waltham Police officer and a National Grid employee.
During the incident on December 6, Simon crashed his pickup truck into a utility worksite, resulting in the deaths of Waltham Police officer Paul Tracey and National Grid worker Roderick Jackson. After the crash, Simon proceeded to strike several other vehicles on Totten Pond Road before fleeing on foot. He then stole a police cruiser at knifepoint and led authorities on a chase before crashing again and being apprehended. Two other National Grid workers were also injured in the crash.
At the dangerousness hearing, Judge Ellen Caulo ruled that Simon should remain in jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for February 29. The prosecution presented evidence of Simon’s previous run-ins with the law, including a similar incident in Keene, New Hampshire in 2009. In that case, Simon led police on a chase before crashing into a bus, causing it to catch fire and seriously injuring the bus driver.
Simon is currently facing charges of manslaughter and armed robbery. He appeared in court last month, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Waltham Police Department Chief Kevin O’Connell expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision, stating that it demonstrated that Simon is a dangerous individual who should not be released pending trial.
The next hearing will provide further clarity on the case as it progresses.
