North Andover Officer Shot by Fellow Officer During Armed Confrontation — Off-Duty Officer Michael Brennan Hospitalized
North Andover, Mass July 1 2025 — An investigation is underway in North Andover after an off-duty police officer, Michael Brennan, was shot and injured by a fellow officer during an armed confrontation Monday evening.
According to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, officers were executing a court order in the area of Phillips Brook Road around 6:30 p.m. when a situation escalated, leading to a North Andover police officer opening fire and striking Brennan, who was not on duty at the time.
Officer Brennan was transported to a Boston-area hospital following the shooting. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed. The name of the officer who fired the shot has not been released.
The DA’s office reported that Brennan was armed at the time of the incident, though specific details regarding the confrontation—including whether Brennan posed a direct threat or was involved in the court order—have not been shared.
“The facts and circumstances remain under active investigation,” DA Tucker said in a brief statement Monday night. “We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial review of the incident.”
The Massachusetts State Police, in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, are continuing to collect evidence and conduct interviews to determine what led to the use of deadly force.
Community in Shock
The incident has left North Andover residents stunned, especially since both individuals involved are members of the same police department.
“This hits close to home,” said a neighbor who lives near the scene. “It’s one thing when there’s a police-involved shooting, but this was officer-on-officer. People are rattled.”
What We Know So Far
- Michael Brennan, an off-duty North Andover officer, was shot and wounded during a confrontation with police.
- A court order was being executed at the time, but it’s unclear if Brennan was directly involved.
- The shooter’s identity has not been made public, pending further investigation.
- Brennan is hospitalized, but his condition remains unknown.
Next Steps
Investigators will examine whether bodycam footage, dispatch recordings, or witness accounts provide more clarity about the encounter. Officials have not confirmed if Brennan had discharged his weapon or made threats before the shooting occurred.
As the probe continues, calls for transparency are growing, with residents and community organizations urging the department and DA’s office to provide updates as soon as they are able.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.