North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been charged with armed assault to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon after an incident last week in which she was shot by fellow officers during an alleged armed confrontation at her residence. Her attorney claims Fitzsimmons, who is currently in grave condition, was experiencing postpartum depression at the time and required help rather than a violent response from law enforcement.
Fitzsimmons’ lawyer, Timothy Bradl, asserts that the police’s reaction to the situation was “botched” and criticized the decision to employ deadly force instead of de-escalation tactics. The case raises urgent questions concerning mental health support for officers and the protocols followed in high-stress situations.
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