Police search for ‘armed and dangerous’ woman suspected of killing off-duty Worcester police officer

Authorities are searching for a woman believed to be armed after an off-duty Worcester police officer was found dead inside his home early Tuesday morning, officials said. 

The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Wildwood Avenue, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. 

District Attorney Joseph Early identified 58-year-old Karen Solomon as a suspect in the killing and said she is believed to be “armed and dangerous.” 

Early did not identify the victim by name, citing guidelines involving domestic violence cases. Saucier noted the victim had been a city patrol officer for 30 years. 

“It is a tragedy right now, and I can’t get too much of it with regards to our domestic violence rules and regulations,” Early said. 

The New England Police Benevolent Association identified the victim as Kurt Solomon in a statement Tuesday evening. 

“Officer Solomon dedicated more than three decades of his life to serving the City of Worcester,” the association said. “Throughout his distinguished career, he earned the respect of those who served alongside him and was known as an incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend.” 

Kurt Solomon leaves behind his two sons, Niklas and Brandon, as well as his mother, Shirley, and two brothers, Karl and Eric, according to NEPBA.  

The Worcester Police Department is searching for Karen Solomon with assistance from Massachusetts State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI, Saucier and Early said. 

Karen Solomon was last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top while walking towards Westcott Street, police said in a Facebook post. 

Authorities urged anyone who sees her not to approach her. Instead, residents should call Worcester police at 508-799-8606 or 911. 

Karen Solomon is the founder and president of First H.E.L.P., the organization’s website indicates. The nonprofit works to reduce mental health stigma among first responders and provide support to surviving families. 

According to First H.E.L.P., Solomon has written books and articles about police officer suicide, its impact on families, and the challenges officers face on duty. 

On Tuesday evening, the nonprofit shared a brief statement on its Facebook page that did not directly refer to any specific incident: “First H.E.L.P. extends its deepest sympathy to the family, loved ones, and all others impacted by today’s devastating event. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult time.”

The investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.