A 28-year-old North Andover police officer, Kelsey E. Fitzsimmons, was shot in the chest by fellow officers during a court-ordered intervention at her home, prompting a high-profile investigation. She was off duty at the time and is currently in stable condition. The shooting occurred just two hours after officers served her with a restraining order obtained by her fiancé, Justin Aylaian—also a North Andover officer. The case has drawn sharp public scrutiny amid concerns over mental health and law enforcement accountability.
According to newly released court documents, Aylaian feared Fitzsimmons might harm their infant son or herself. He cited alleged past violence during her pregnancy and recent suicidal threats. The restraining order was granted on June 30, following a June 28 incident in Maine where he claimed she punched him and acted aggressively while intoxicated. Aylaian also alleged she had threatened to take the baby and expressed suicidal ideation.
Fitzsimmons had been hospitalized for postpartum depression in March and had surrendered her firearms at that time. She was placed on administrative leave but had her license to carry reinstated in June—though it’s unclear whether her weapons were returned. The restraining order, in effect through at least July 14, prohibits her from contacting Aylaian or possessing firearms. He is also seeking full custody of their child.
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed that three officers responded to serve the order when the confrontation turned violent. He declined to say if Fitzsimmons was armed, and noted North Andover officers do not wear body cameras. The incident has sparked a wave of reaction online, raising urgent questions about police procedures, mental health protocols, and internal oversight within the department.