Sources: Off-duty Chelsea police officer killed in Lynn motorcycle crash

A Chelsea police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night.

State police say one person died in a collision between a pair of motorcycles on Route 1A north in Lynn at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Chelsea police identified the victim as Officer John Bruttaniti. Chief Brian Kyes says the 41-year-old Bruttaniti was on his way home.

Bruttaniti was hailed a hero last summer after he saved the life of a toddler who was choking on a penny. He saved the penny, keeping it in his uniform as a souvenir.

He was on a motorcycle, which collided with another motorcycle, just before 10:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Police said he lost control of the bike, hit a 25-year-old on another motorcycle, and then hit a utility pole.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes released a statement Friday:

“John was the true definition of a dedicated public servant to the people of Chelsea and the Country, having worked at the Chelsea Police Department since 2008 and at the Chelsea Fire Department from 2005-2008 and served in the US Army in Afghanistan in 2003-2004. He was a true gentleman who was deeply respected by everyone around him.

“He was an incredible police officer, and his death is a tremendous loss to the entire community. John was truly a special person with a unique way of touching us all with his engaging personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone around him.

“On behalf of the entire City of Chelsea and the Chelsea Police Department, I convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to John’s family.”

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