WORCESTER — The search for Karen Solomon entered a second day Wednesday as authorities released new surveillance video and photos of the woman sought in connection with the death of her husband, Worcester police Officer Kurt Solomon.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office said Solomon, 58, had not been located as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, more than 24 hours after police began searching for her.
Authorities have described Solomon as presumed armed and dangerous and are asking anyone who sees her to immediately call 911.
A large law enforcement presence was reported near Coes Pond Wednesday morning as local, state and federal agencies continued the search.
Police release new video
Worcester police released additional images and surveillance footage of Solomon shortly before noon Wednesday.
The video appears to show a woman police identified as Solomon walking along a street around dawn. Authorities have not publicly identified the location where the footage was recorded.
Police previously said Solomon was last seen Tuesday wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Wescott Street.
She is described by police as a white woman with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who sees her is urged to call 911 or Worcester police at 508-799-8606. Police have cautioned the public not to approach her.
How the search began
The investigation began early Tuesday after police responded to a report of a person down at a Wildwood Avenue residence.
Kurt Solomon, 57, was found dead at the home shortly before 5:40 a.m.
Authorities later identified Karen Solomon as the person they were seeking in connection with his death.
The search quickly expanded, with multiple law enforcement agencies joining the effort.
Timeline
Tuesday, Aug. 18
- Shortly before 5:40 a.m.: Worcester police responding to a report of a person down found off-duty Officer Kurt Solomon dead at a Wildwood Avenue home.
- 5:41 a.m.: Surveillance footage appears to show Karen Solomon walking while wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt.
- 11:14 a.m.: Worcester police publicly announced a search for Karen Solomon and described her as armed and dangerous. Police said she was last seen walking toward Wescott Street.
- 3:20 p.m.: Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said investigators were seeking Solomon for questioning and that local, state and federal agencies were participating in the search.
- 6:24 p.m.: The New England Police Benevolent Association publicly identified Kurt Solomon and recognized his more than three decades of service.
- 11:38 p.m.: First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit co-founded by Karen Solomon, issued a statement acknowledging the investigation and expressing condolences to Kurt Solomon’s family and colleagues.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
- 10:30 a.m.: The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Karen Solomon had not been located.
- Around 11 a.m.: A significant police presence was reported near Coes Pond as the search continued.
- 11:52 a.m.: Worcester police released additional photos and video that appeared to show Solomon walking along a street around dawn.
- Noon: Authorities said Solomon remained at large and presumed armed and dangerous and again urged anyone who sees her to call 911.
Who is Karen Solomon?
Karen Solomon is the founder and president of First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing mental health stigma among first responders and helping them access mental health support.
The organization’s biography identifies her as the wife of a police officer.
First H.E.L.P. issued a statement Tuesday night acknowledging that its co-founder was the subject of an active search. The organization expressed condolences to Kurt Solomon’s family, friends and colleagues and said its mission of supporting first responders and their families would continue.
The organization said its board was working to maintain its programs and services but would not provide additional comment about the investigation.
Worcester City Councilor Khrystian King also offered condolences to the Solomon family and the broader Worcester community.
King urged residents to support one another while authorities continued their search.
Investigation remains active
As of Wednesday afternoon, Karen Solomon had not been located, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Kurt Solomon’s death.
The investigation remains active, and police continue to ask residents to report any sightings of Karen Solomon rather than attempting to approach her.
