Full Breakdown
Kelsey Fitzsimmons Plans Legal Action Following Shooting Incident
4/3/2026, 7:19:53 AM
Incident Overview: Shooting and Acquittal
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer, is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against the town after being acquitted of assault charges related to a shooting incident involving a fellow officer. The incident occurred in June 2025 when Fitzsimmons was shot by Officer Patrick Noonan while police were serving her a restraining order filed by her ex-fiancé, Justin Aylaian. Fitzsimmons, who was suffering from severe postpartum depression, claims she only intended to harm herself and pointed her service weapon at her own head. Noonan, believing she posed a threat to him and others, fired two rounds, resulting in a gunshot wound that nearly missed her spine.
Legal Actions and Claims
Following her acquittal, Fitzsimmons and her attorney, Timothy Bradl, are taking steps to hold the North Andover Police Department accountable for the manner in which the restraining order was served. They are filing presentment letters, which are necessary to initiate civil litigation, and are pursuing claims of civil rights violations and negligence. Bradl has raised concerns about why Fitzsimmons's colleagues were involved in serving the order and why Aylaian was allowed access to her home during the encounter.
Criticism of Police Procedures
Fitzsimmons's legal team has criticized the police's handling of the situation, describing it as "horrible." They question the decision to have her fellow officers serve the restraining order and allow Aylaian to enter her home unaccompanied. Fitzsimmons expressed her feelings about the incident, stating, “What is my life worth to you?” highlighting the emotional and physical toll the event has taken on her life.
Calls for Reform
In light of her experience, Fitzsimmons is advocating for reforms regarding the process of obtaining restraining orders in Massachusetts. She has also called for the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers in North Andover, arguing that such measures could prevent similar incidents and protect both officers and the public. Fitzsimmons stated, “I think it's weird that they don't have them. I would never have been through half of what I've been through if they did have them.”
Official Responses and Silence from Authorities
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings and public statements from Fitzsimmons, officials from the North Andover Police Department, including Police Chief Charles Gray and Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues, have not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident or the planned lawsuit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What is my life worth to you? That’s kind of how I feel,” — Kelsey Fitzsimmons
- “This has, thankfully, been motivation for me to make changes — be a voice,” — Kelsey Fitzsimmons
- “Thank you NAPD for confirming your institutional deliberate indifference,” — Tim Bradl, Attorney for Kelsey Fitzsimmons
As Fitzsimmons moves forward with her legal action, the case raises significant questions about police practices and the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
