Police hunt 58-year-old woman suspected of being armed after off-duty officer found dead

Worcester police have launched a manhunt for Karen Solomon, a 58-year-old white woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes, who was last observed in pajama shorts and a tank top heading toward Westcott Street. Officers cautioned that she might be armed after a male—identified as a 30-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department—was found dead at Solomon’s Wildwood Avenue residence while off duty; the victim’s identity has not been disclosed.

Massachusetts State Police are conducting aerial searches with a helicopter and have deployed a special emergency response team to sweep the surrounding woods. Neighbors expressed disbelief, recalling the officer as a familiar and well-liked figure in the neighborhood. Police have asked anyone with leads to contact the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8606 or call 911, and have warned the public not to confront Solomon. Requests for comment from the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, state police and the Worcester Police Department have not yet been answered.