WALTHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - A New Hampshire man accused of killing a police officer and utility worker in Waltham appeared in court to face numerous charges Thursday morning, including two counts of manslaughter after he allegedly caused a fatal crash and led authorities on a pursuit after stealing a police cruiser.
Peter Simon, 54, of Woodsville, New Hampshire, stood in Waltham District Court hours after the deadly multi-vehicle crash and subsequent chase in the area of Totten Pond Road late Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Simon was charged with armed robbery.
According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Simon was driving a pickup truck eastbound on Totten Pond Road near 4 p.m. when he began to make a U-turn.
District Attorney Marian Ryan said Simon struck a vehicle while trying to make the turn. Ryan said Simon next headed further down Totten Pond Road, soon hitting the Waltham police officer and a National Grid worker.
The officer, Paul Tracey, 58, had been working a roadside detail when he was struck. Ryan did not immediately identify the National Grid worker who was killed at the time, only describing him as a 36-year-old from Cambridge. Authorities later confirmed the man killed was Roderick Jackson.
Two other National Grid workers were injured in the crash, which Simon allegedly drove away from before striking at least two other vehicles.
Ryan said Simon then abandoned his truck to flee on foot into a nearby neighborhood. There, Ryan said Simon encountered a Waltham police officer, allegedly pulled a knife, stole the officer’s cruiser, and fled the scene.
The district attorney said Simon crashed the cruiser on Winter Street in Waltham. With police in pursuit, Ryan said, he was subsequently taken into custody.
“Other officers who were responding, attempting to stop this defendant several times – each time, the defendant would veer his car into the oncoming officers,” Prosecutor Christopher Tarrant said in court on Thursday.
A not guilty plea was entered on Simon’s behalf while numerous police officers watched on as they filled the courtroom.
Outside, more officers as well as a large group of National Grid workers stood by as a judge ordered the suspect be held without bail ahead of a dangerousness hearing.
Fellow officers and family members recount life, service of fallen officer
Speaking to reporters, Waltham Police Chief Kevin O’Connell detailed the support being shown for their fellow officer and the other victim killed on Wednesday.
“We’re here today in solidarity, not only with my fallen officer but with [the] National Grid worker, too, as well. We’re there to protect them when we’re on detail. Unfortunately what happened yesterday – nobody saw it coming,” O’Connell said. “So I’m with my brother and sister officers here in support of the families – Officer Tracey’s family and the Roderick family – for their loss. That’s why you saw the police presence here today. We’re going to continue to support our officers and their families and the National Grid workers.”
Also outside of the courthouse were family members of Officer Tracey, who described Paul as a tremendous figure who was beloved by the Waltham community.
“We just want to thank the Waltham community for the tremendous outpouring for our brother, Paul,” said Jim Tracey, the victim’s brother. “He was a tremendous husband, father, uncle and brother and loved by everybody in the community.”
Loved ones of National Grid employee speak out after devastating loss
Family members of Roderick Jackson were also on hand Thursday, sharing the devastation they felt after the loss of their 36-year-old loved one.
Speaking with reporters, Jackson’s brother emphasized repeatedly that Roderick was the heart of their family and a selfless man – one of four siblings, who had been working with National Grid for the past few years.
Jackson’s mother, his girlfriend and siblings were among those in court as Simon faced a judge.
“They took something treasureous from us – you can never replace it,” Norma Asprilla told reporters. “Behind bars, he has a life – I don’t have my son. He took our treasure chest. Unforgivable.”
Manuel Asprilla-Hassan said he had even spoken with his brother right before the crash, discussing plans to go to a college football game.
“We were talking about going to the game, the Rose Bowl game,” he said through tears. “He was my everything.”
In a statement issued Thursday, National Grid described Jackson as a talented and selfless teammate, known for building strong friendships with his team as he worked hard and selflessly.
“Today, National Grid is mourning the loss of our colleague, Roderick Jackson,” the statement read.
National Grid said Jackson joined the company in early 2021, first working as a technician on National Grid’s gas operation’s team.
National Grid continued in its statement, saying Jackson “was a highly respected, talented and selfless teammate who worked extremely hard, took on extra duties and had built strong friendships with members on his team.”
“He was always willing to lend a hand, roll up his sleeves and help a colleague,” National Grid said. “His loss is deeply felt throughout the company, and he will be sorely missed.”
Simon was seen with a bruise under his eye and stitches over his eye as he appeared in court Thursday.
He had no comment when asked while being brought out of the courthouse.
Back at Waltham police headquarters, a police cruiser sat silently outside, draped in black bunting and adorned with flowers in memory of Tracey.
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