Judge Acquits Cop on Maternity Leave Accused of Trying to Kill Officer Who Was Serving Restraining Order

**North Andover Police Officer Acquitted in Case Involving Gunshot Incident**

A former police officer from North Andover, Kelsey Fitzsimmons, has been acquitted of charges related to an alleged assault involving a firearm in a dramatic case that gained significant public attention. The judgement was delivered by Judge Jeffrey Karp after a four-day bench trial at Essex County Superior Court, where Fitzsimmons was found not guilty of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

The incident in question occurred on 30th June 2025, when Fitzsimmons, aged 29, was served with a restraining order by fellow officer Patrick Noonan. Fitzsimmons claimed that, at the time, she felt overwhelmed and was struggling with postpartum depression after giving birth to her son four months earlier. It was revealed in court that she had been dealing with significant personal issues, including a troubled relationship with her former fiancé, Justin Aylaian.

Unbeknownst to Fitzsimmons, Aylaian had filed a restraining order against her just two days prior, alleging violence and claiming she posed a risk to both him and their son. The day of the incident, while at home, three officers arrived to deliver the order and inform her that Aylaian would take custody of their child.

According to the police report, the situation escalated quickly after Aylaian was contacted and instructed to arrive to collect his belongings. Fitzsimmons became increasingly distressed when she learned he was on his way, leading Officer Timothy Houston to attempt to de-escalate the situation while Officer Noonan stayed with Fitzsimmons.

The accounts of what transpired next diverged sharply. Noonan testified that Fitzsimmons brandished a gun and fired at him, although he claimed the weapon was empty. Meanwhile, Officer Houston recounted that he heard Noonan shout a warning to Fitzsimmons just before two gunshots rang out. He rushed upstairs only to find Fitzsimmons had been shot in the chest, asserting that Noonan shot her after she attempted to load the gun once more.

In contrast, Fitzsimmons maintained her innocence, stating she had not aimed the gun at Noonan at any point and had only intended to take her own life. “I never pointed my firearm at the officer. That officer was not just a colleague; he was my friend,” she said in a statement after the trial.

Despite differing testimonies, Judge Karp determined that there was reasonable doubt regarding the events of that day, leading to Fitzsimmons’ acquittal. She expressed relief as she left the courtroom, eager to rebuild her life and reconnect with her son, who had been entrusted to Aylaian during the court proceedings.

The aftermath of the incident had taken a toll on Fitzsimmons, resulting in her losing her position in the police department and selling her home. Following her recovery from the gunshot wound, she spent over 100 days in incarceration before being released on bail. The emotional impact of the ordeal, compounded by her diagnosed mental health issues, has left Fitzsimmons determined to move forward positively.

Fitzsimmons’ legal counsel did not respond to requests for further comments on the case. The public response has been measured; many view the incident as a complex interplay of mental health issues and personal turmoil.

For those struggling with mental health challenges, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988, offering support 24/7 for individuals in need of assistance.

This case has highlighted significant issues surrounding law enforcement, mental health, and protective orders, drawing attention to the impact of domestic situations on first responders and their families. The outcome of this high-profile case has been closely monitored and will likely influence discussions on protocol and support systems within law enforcement entities moving forward.