A 58-year-old woman linked to a longtime Massachusetts police officer found dead inside the home they shared was still being sought Wednesday, with authorities releasing new footage of Karen Solomon and cautioning that she is believed to remain armed.
As the manhunt stretched into a second day, the Worcester Police Department shared an updated image and video of Solomon, asking residents to stay alert and report any information that could help investigators find her.
Worcester police have not formally named the officer who died. But the New England Police Benevolent Association identified him Wednesday as Officer Kurt Solomon, a 31-year member of the Worcester Police Department and part of the association.
In a statement, the association said Solomon spent more than three decades serving the city of Worcester and was regarded as an “incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend.”
Worcester police released updated video of Karen Solomon as the search for the 58-year-old continued. Authorities said Solomon is still believed to be armed and asked the public to remain cautious. (The Worcester Police Department)
“Thirty-one years of service represents an extraordinary commitment to a community and to the profession of law enforcement,” the association said. “Officer Kurt Solomon answered that call for more than three decades, and his service, friendship and dedication will not be forgotten.”
The organization said it was grieving with Solomon’s family, friends and fellow officers while the investigation moves forward. It also said it had “full confidence” in the agencies working to uncover what happened and locate the person authorities are searching for.
Records reviewed by The Associated Press show Kurt and Karen Solomon jointly owned the Wildwood Avenue residence. In a 2016 bankruptcy filing, Kurt listed Karen as his wife, and a Worcester city councilor also publicly described Karen as Kurt’s wife on Wednesday.
Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, a 31-year department veteran, was identified by the New England Police Benevolent Association as the off-duty officer found dead at a Worcester home. (The New England PBA, Inc.)
“She is still believed to be armed,” a Worcester Police Department spokesperson told News Outlet Wednesday morning, adding that the case remains a “very active investigation.” The department declined to discuss further details, including the relationship between Karen Solomon and the deceased, but said another update could come later Wednesday.
Police said officers responded to Wildwood Avenue at approximately 5:28 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a person down and found an off-duty Worcester police officer dead inside. His cause and manner of death have not been released.
Authorities described Solomon during a Tuesday news conference as a suspect they want to question about what happened inside the home.
The district attorney said Solomon had been at the house and that other people were also there, but declined to discuss further details, citing rules surrounding domestic violence cases.
Worcester police are seeking Karen Solomon, 58, and warn that she may be armed. (Worcester Police Department)
Solomon is described as a White woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police initially said she was last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Westcott Street.
Authorities warned Tuesday that she was presumed “armed and dangerous.” In Wednesday’s update, Worcester police said they continued to believe she was armed and asked the public to remain vigilant.
Police urged anyone who sees Solomon or has information about her whereabouts to contact the department. A police spokesperson told News Outlet that anyone who sees or comes into contact with Solomon should call Worcester police at 508-799-8606 or 911.
