WORCESTER, Mass. — Police are searching for a woman after an off-duty Worcester police officer was found dead at her home, authorities said.
During a news conference on Aug. 18, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said officers responded to a Wildwood Avenue residence for a report of a person down and found a deceased man who was later identified as off-duty Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon.
Kurt Solomon had served with the Worcester Police Department for 31 years, the New England Police Benevolent Association said.
The Worcester Police Department said it is actively seeking Karen Solomon, 58, “regarding the death of a male at her residence.”
“She’s a suspect with regards to this case. We want her for questioning,” Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said, adding that investigators want to speak with Solomon about what happened inside the home.
Police previously said Solomon was last seen on foot walking toward Westcott Street while wearing pajama shorts and a tank top. Police issued a reverse 911 alert covering an approximately 2.5-mile area around the scene and urged anyone who sees Solomon not to approach her and to call police.
The search has drawn assistance from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Officials said resources involved include Worcester Police Department personnel and K-9 teams, Massachusetts State Police troopers, the State Police Air Wing and Special Emergency Response Team, as well as personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service. Saucier said the FBI had also offered assistance.
Police did not say whether Solomon is believed to have the officer’s service weapon. Saucier said investigators did not have that information and were executing a search warrant at the residence.
Early referenced Massachusetts rules governing the release of information in domestic violence cases when explaining why authorities could not disclose more about the circumstances surrounding the death or the relationship between those involved.
“I can’t explain what the domestic violence relationship is,” Early said.
In a statement, First H.E.L.P. extended its condolences to Kurt Solomon’s family, colleagues and the Worcester law enforcement community. The organization also acknowledged that the investigation may be difficult for those who have relied on its support.
The board said it remains focused on maintaining First H.E.L.P.’s programs and services.
“First H.E.L.P. is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and the first-responder community, supporting officers, first responders, and their families, and honoring the lives and service of those who have died by suicide. Our mission remains unchanged,” the statement said.
