Police officer shot by colleague during restraining order service

In North Andover, Massachusetts, on Monday night, an off-duty police officer, Kelsey Fitzsimmons, was shot during an armed confrontation while officers attempted to serve her with a restraining order. The incident occurred at her residence shortly after 6 PM, as three officers, including a supervisor, arrived to deliver the court-approved order. Fitzsimmons was hospitalized in stable condition after being struck during the encounter, although the specific details surrounding the shooting have not been disclosed. She had been on administrative leave, and the nature of the restraining order is yet to be thoroughly examined. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker provided information at a news conference on Tuesday, emphasizing the dangers associated with serving restraining orders. He mentioned the ongoing investigation, indicating that many facets of the incident remained unclear, including whether Fitzsimmons was armed at the time. Following the shooting, the officer who fired the shot remains unidentified; however, it was noted that he has been with the North Andover Police Department for over 20 years. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of body camera footage, as North Andover Police do not utilize body cameras currently. The severity of the situation underscored the unpredictable nature of law enforcement duties, particularly when the roles of those involved blur the lines of authority and responsibility. Fitzsimmons has been with the North Andover Police Department for just over a year. While the investigation continues, the community is left with numerous questions regarding the circumstances that led to this incident. As both the district attorney and the police chief acknowledged the specifics of the investigation, they noted the need for transparency while protecting the details of the inquiry. The nature of the restraining order itself also raises questions, as it was mentioned that the North Andover Police had prior notification that serving the order might pose risks to officers involved. Thus, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities law enforcement faces, particularly in situations involving fellow officers.