Police in Worcester, Massachusetts, have issued an arrest warrant for the wife of a 31-year veteran officer found dead inside their home, charging her with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and she remains at large.
Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier announced Friday that Karen Solomon, 58, faces a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with serious bodily injury in connection with the death of her husband, Patrolman Kurt Solomon, 57. Saucier described Karen Solomon as "armed and dangerous" and said search crews, including U.S. Marshals, had spent four days combing the area around Coes Reservoir in Worcester with helicopters, divers, sonar, and dogs before suspending operations Friday evening.
Kurt Solomon was found dead inside a home early Tuesday morning. Saucier would not detail the full circumstances of the death but told reporters the nature of the officer's injuries involved a "sharp object." He confirmed that Kurt Solomon's service weapon was not missing.
Surveillance cameras captured Karen Solomon walking on the street shortly after the incident. AP News reported she was last seen on a doorbell camera in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops early Tuesday morning, just minutes after police responded to the home. Worcester police released photos and video of her from home security footage in the area, asking the public for help locating her.
Kurt Solomon spent more than three decades with the Worcester Police Department. He was a father of two. The New England Police Benevolent Association confirmed his identity and paid tribute to his career, as Fox News reported:
"Thirty-one years of service represents an extraordinary commitment to a community and to the profession of law enforcement. Officer Kurt Solomon answered that call for more than three decades, and his service, friendship and dedication will not be forgotten."
Chief Saucier was blunt about the loss. In comments reported by ABC News, he said:
"Kurt was a h*** of a guy. He was an awesome police officer and an awesome person, and he's going to be truly missed."
That a veteran officer with 31 years on the force would meet his end off-duty, inside his own home, makes the case all the more jarring for the department and the community.
Karen Solomon is the founder of First HELP, a nonprofit focused on first responder mental health and suicide prevention. The organization's stated mission was helping officers dealing with mental health crises and raising awareness for suicide prevention among first responders and their families. Public records cited by Fox News show Kurt and Karen Solomon co-owned the Wildwood Avenue home, and Kurt identified Karen as his wife in a 2016 bankruptcy filing.
Fox News described Karen Solomon as a White woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top. The contrast between her public advocacy work and the charge she now faces has drawn attention, though police have not publicly discussed a motive.
By Friday evening, search crews had spent four full days focused on Coes Reservoir and surrounding public areas, including parks. Saucier said the search would resume Saturday morning.
"We're still actively pursuing this area," Saucier told reporters at Friday's news conference.
Several public areas near the reservoir, including parks, were closed indefinitely as the search continued. Worcester police asked anyone with information to text 274637 or call 508-799-8606.
The department has not said publicly what evidence led search crews to Coes Reservoir, whether Karen Solomon is believed to possess a firearm, Kurt Solomon's service weapon was accounted for, or whether she has been in contact with anyone since Tuesday morning.
Much remains unclear. Police have not disclosed the specific evidence linking Karen Solomon to her husband's death beyond the arrest warrant charge. The issuing court and case number have not been made public. No motive has been offered. And the "armed and dangerous" designation raises an obvious question: armed with what, exactly, if the officer's service weapon is accounted for?
Kurt Solomon spent 31 years protecting the people of Worcester. He deserved to be safe in his own home. His fellow officers, and the public, deserve answers.
