The 28-year-old North Andover police officer was wounded in a shooting involving her colleagues after a court-ordered intervention at her home, prompting an ongoing investigation by state and local authorities.
New court documents have revealed that Justin Aylaian, fiancé of North Andover police officer Kelsey E. Fitzsimmons, feared she would harm their infant son and take her own life.
This concern led him to obtain a restraining order, which was served just hours before Fitzsimmons was shot during an armed confrontation with fellow officers.
“I fear she will kill the baby at any moment,” Aylaian wrote in the application. “Kelsey is threatening to take the baby ‘far, far, far away for a long, long time.’ This is how she has spoken about killing herself in the past.”
He also alleged that she “punched her stomach repeatedly while pregnant, saying she would kill herself and the baby.” Aylaian, who also serves in North Andover, alerted police ahead of time, warning them about Fitzsimmons’ possible reaction.
A judge issued the order at 4:31 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. About two hours later, three officers arrived at her Phillips Brooks Road residence to deliver the court order.
According to authorities, the 28-year-old was off duty at the time and became involved in an armed confrontation that ended when she was shot once in the chest. She was flown to a Boston hospital and was listed in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.
Court documents show that Fitzsimmons gave birth to her son on February 16. On March 9, emergency responders were called to her home due to a reported mental health episode.
She was involuntarily hospitalized for 12 hours at Lowell General Hospital and diagnosed with postpartum depression. The next day, she surrendered both her department-issued firearm and a privately owned weapon.
As a result, her license to carry was suspended, and she was placed on administrative leave on April 30. In May, she filed a request to have her license reinstated, citing her continued treatment under a psychiatrist and therapist.
By June 18, police cleared her to return to work and reinstated her license to carry. Authorities have not confirmed whether her firearms were returned. As of the day of the incident, she remained on administrative leave, according to Police Chief Charles Gray.
The restraining order was prompted by an incident on June 28 in Maine. In the filing, the fiancé alleged that Fitzsimmons punched him multiple times in the face during a gathering with family and friends.
He said he left the location out of fear and claimed she continued to act aggressively toward others after his departure.
While intoxicated, she reportedly left Maine intending to retrieve her child, who was with the fiancé’s parents. Fitzsimmons’ parents eventually took custody of the baby. Multiple police departments were contacted during this time.
“I fear if she doesn’t have me she will kill the baby because she has said she has nothing besides me,” Aylaian expressed. He described Fitzsimmons as a danger to himself, their son, and herself.
The restraining order, effective until at least July 14, also required Fitzsimmons to surrender any remaining firearms and stay away from his residence and the North Andover Fire Department. He is also seeking full legal and physical custody of their child; that request is currently pending.
Fitzsimmons joined the North Andover Police Department in May 2024. She previously worked for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and graduated from Fisher College in 2020.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed that three officers, including a supervisor, were sent to serve the court-approved order.
“When one of the officers was escorting Ms. Fitzsimmons during the service of the court order, an armed confrontation took place. As a result of that armed confrontation, one of the responding officers discharged their weapon, which struck Ms. Fitzsimmons once,” Tucker said.
He did not specify where she was shot and declined to comment on her mental health. The officer who discharged their weapon has not been identified, but has served with the department for over 20 years.
When asked if Fitzsimmons was armed, Tucker stated that those details are still under review, pending interviews conducted by State Police detectives. Chief Gray noted that North Andover Police do not use body cameras.
Tucker emphasized the dangers associated with serving restraining orders, regardless of who is involved. “We also know that serving restraining orders, court-approved restraining orders are sometimes some of the most dangerous duties that police officers can cover, no matter who the object of that order is,” he noted.
He also confirmed that standard procedures during such court orders include retrieving any firearms in the home. A handwritten note in the court document, obtained by WBZ-TV, warned officers in advance: “Defendant is an officer with a license to carry. Plaintiff expressed concerns regarding Defendant’s reaction to being served.”
Mental health clinician Jeff Zeizel underscored the importance of emotional support after critical incidents. “The more people process their feelings and deal with the trauma, the healthier they become,” he shared.
The case has drawn significant attention on social media. On X, one commenter wrote, “Something is wrong with her head. Keep that baby away from his Mom or he’ll be gone.”
Another remarked, “its [sic] probably good for the baby.” A third person added, “Whatever else is disturbing about this story, it is clear that this Department has SERIOUS failures in the hiring process.”
Instagram readers also weighed in. “The plot thickens …” one penned. Another commented, “postpartum [sic] is a serious thing.” A third stated, “EPIC FAIL for a mental health crisis…”
On Facebook, the reactions were more reflective. One person emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health intervention, stating that legal protections alone are not enough.
Another commenter shared, “That’s deeply heartbreaking to read. I can only imagine the pain and turmoil behind such actions. Situations like that are tragic for everyone involved.”
A third expressed skepticism about the lack of available footage, “Odd story overall .. No body cams serving another officers? What’s her side of the story? Haven’t heard anything but Media and Department stance.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather statements and review evidence. Kelsey Fitzsimmons is recovering in stable condition, while questions surrounding the confrontation and her mental health history are under further review by state and local officials.
