A manhunt is underway in Worcester, Massachusetts, after off-duty Worcester police veteran Kurt Solomon was found dead at a residence on Wildwood Avenue. Police are seeking 58-year-old Karen Solomon, who they say may be armed and was last seen walking toward Westcott Street. Massachusetts State Police and local officers are searching nearby areas, including woods, with helicopter support.
Authorities have not publicly identified how Kurt Solomon died or released a possible motive. The investigation remains active, and police have urged the public not to approach Karen Solomon if she is located.
| 1) | Police identify the person sought |
| 2) | Veteran officer found dead off duty |
| 3) | Search expands across Worcester |
| 4) | Community remembers the officer |
| 5) | Police issue safety warning |
Police identify the person sought
The Worcester Police Department said officers were seeking Karen Solomon in connection with the death of a man at her residence. Police described her as a 58-year-old White woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Westcott Street.
The department warned that Solomon may be armed. Officials have not said whether she is suspected of causing the death, and no charges or further details about the case were publicly announced in the available information.
Veteran officer found dead off duty
The man found dead was identified as Kurt Solomon, a veteran of the Worcester Police Department who had served for 31 years. He was off duty when he was found, according to information released by the New England Police Benevolent Association.
The association described Kurt Solomon as an “incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend” who devoted more than three decades to the Worcester community. His family includes his sons, Niklas and Brandon, his mother, Shirley, and his brothers, Karl and Eric.
“Incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend.”
Search expands across Worcester
Authorities were conducting the death investigation at the Wildwood Avenue residence while searching for Karen Solomon in the surrounding Worcester area. Massachusetts State Police were reported to be assisting local officers, with a helicopter used in the search.
A special emergency response team was also being brought in to search nearby woods. The search operation reflects police concerns about the possibility that Solomon is armed, although authorities have not released additional details about any weapon.
Community remembers the officer
Residents told local media they were shocked by the developments. One neighbor described Kurt Solomon as an “awesome guy” whom he regularly saw walking around the neighborhood.
Karen Solomon had previously spoken publicly about law enforcement and described efforts to highlight the experiences of officers and their families. In a 2016 interview, she said she wrote Hearts Beneath The Badge after her son questioned a negative statement he had heard about police.
She later wrote The Price They Pay, which addressed what she described as the more difficult aspects of policing, including the emotional strain officers may experience. She also developed 1stHelp.Net, a website intended to connect first responders facing mental, physical or financial crises with resources.
Police issue safety warning
Police are asking anyone who sees Karen Solomon not to approach her. Members of the public with information are instructed to contact the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8606 or call 911 in an emergency.
The circumstances of Kurt Solomon’s death, the precise relationship between the two Solomons, and the reason Karen Solomon is being sought have not been publicly clarified. Investigators continue to work to locate her and establish what happened at the residence.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kurt Solomon was a 31-year Worcester police veteran found dead while off duty. |
| 2 | Police are seeking 58-year-old Karen Solomon in connection with the investigation. |
| 3 | Authorities warn Karen Solomon may be armed and say the public should not approach her. |
| 4 | State and local authorities are searching Worcester, including nearby woods. |
Summary
The search for Karen Solomon remains active after Kurt Solomon, a longtime off-duty Worcester police officer, was found dead at her home. Police have released limited information about the death and are treating the search as a safety matter because they believe she may be armed. Investigators are asking the public to provide information without attempting to intervene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are police searching for?
Police are searching for 58-year-old Karen Solomon, who was last seen walking toward Westcott Street in Worcester.
Who was found dead?
The deceased man was identified as Kurt Solomon, a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department who was off duty when he was found.
What should the public do if they see Karen Solomon?
Police say members of the public should not approach her. Information should be reported to the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8606, or to 911 in an emergency.