Waltham Police Officer Phil O'Dowd Involved in Crash, Assists Injured Driver

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a collision involving a police cruiser and a civilian vehicle occurred on Totten Pond Road near Third Avenue in Waltham, Massachusetts. Waltham Police Officer Phil O'Dowd, the driver of the cruiser, sustained minor injuries to his arm from broken glass but managed to exit the vehicle independently. Demonstrating commendable professionalism, Officer O'Dowd then assisted the other driver, a 30-year-old pregnant woman, who also suffered minor injuries. Both individuals were transported to Lahey Hospital in Burlington for treatment, and authorities have confirmed their conditions are not severe.

Emergency response teams, led by Waltham Fire Lieutenant Mike Murphy, quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. Lieutenant Murphy described Officer O'Dowd’s injuries as "minor in nature" and noted that traffic in the area, which includes nearby businesses and an Interstate 95 interchange, was temporarily disrupted. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy praised Officer O'Dowd, calling him "a good man" and expressing relief at his well-being.