Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a 28-year-old off-duty North Andover police officer and new mother, was shot by a fellow officer during a tense confrontation at her home Monday evening. The incident unfolded when three officers, acting under a court-approved restraining order filed by her fiancé, arrived to serve the document.
The order stemmed from serious concerns raised by her fiancé—a North Andover firefighter—who claimed he feared Fitzsimmons might harm their infant son and herself. In court filings, he described alarming behavior, including threats to kill the child, self-harm statements, and physical aggression. He also noted her history of postpartum depression and previous inpatient hospitalization.As officers attempted to accompany her during service of the restraining order, an armed encounter occurred. One officer—later identified as a veteran with more than 20 years on the force—discharged a weapon, striking Fitzsimmons once. She was airlifted to a Boston hospital and listed in stable condition.At the time, Fitzsimmons was on administrative leave and had recently had her firearm license reinstated after returning from medical leave. Authorities confirmed she surrendered all weapons earlier in compliance with the restraining order. The Essex County District Attorney’s office is investigating the shooting, and state police detectives are interviewing all officers involved.This incident highlights the inherent dangers of enforcing domestic court orders, even among trained law enforcement personnel. It also brings mental health into sharp focus, amid increasing awareness of conditions like postpartum depression in high-stress professions.