WOODSVILLE, NH - A 54-year-old man from Woodsville, New Hampshire, identified as Peter Simon, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and armed robbery following a tragic hit-and-run incident in Waltham, Massachusetts. The charges were filed by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, with additional charges expected in the ongoing investigation.

During the arraignment at Waltham District Court on Thursday, Simon stood accused of causing the deaths of 58-year-old Police Officer Paul Tracey and a worker from Cambridge. According to District Attorney Marian Ryan, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. when Simon, driving his pickup truck on Totten Pond Road, suddenly pulled to the side of the road and attempted to make a U-turn. In the process, Simon's truck collided with a vehicle behind him.

Officials reported that Simon continued to drive for approximately a quarter of a mile before striking Officer Tracey and three other National Grid workers at a nearby work site. Tragically, Officer Tracey and a worker from Cambridge lost their lives in the collision. The other two National Grid workers sustained injuries and were immediately transported to a local hospital. One of them has since been treated and released.

Following the collision, Simon allegedly drove on, crashing into two additional vehicles before abandoning his truck and fleeing on foot into a nearby neighborhood. In a shocking turn of events, he is accused of pulling a knife on a nearby officer and stealing his cruiser. Simon subsequently crashed the stolen cruiser on Winter Street before fleeing on foot once again.

Officials confirmed that Simon was apprehended shortly thereafter and is now in police custody. Witnesses captured cell phone footage of the stolen cruiser being driven at a dangerously high speed, evading pursuing officers.

The incident prompted a significant response from law enforcement agencies, with State Police Detectives, crime scene technicians, MSP Collision Recon, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, and Waltham Police all involved in the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Officer Paul Tracey, who was widely honored by officers from across the state. In a show of solidarity, officers lined the streets to pay their respects and honor the fallen officer.

Simon is expected to face further charges as the investigation progresses. The community grapples with the devastating impact of this hit-and-run incident, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families.

This article is based on information provided by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and law enforcement officials involved in the ongoing investigation.