Police Officer Paul Tracey

Paul Tracey

Police Officer Paul Tracey was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was working a construction detail near 158 Totten Pond Road in Waltham.

The subject was driving east on Totten Pond Road at 4:15 p.m. when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with another vehicle. He drove away from the crash and struck Officer Tracey and three National Grid utility workers about a quarter mile from the initial collision. The subject continued driving, and when he struck two additional vehicles, he fled on foot, brandished a knife, and then stole a police cruiser. He was apprehended after a foot pursuit.

Officer Tracey and one of the utility workers died from their injuries. Two other utility workers were transported to the hospital.

The subject was charged with failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident after causing personal injury and death.

Officer Tracey had served with the Waltham Police Department for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, who is also a law enforcement officer, and two children.