Officer Shot by Colleague: North Andover Cop Faces Strict Release Conditions

A North Andover police officer, involved in a dramatic and harrowing incident where he was shot by a colleague, is set to walk free from custody, albeit under a rigorous set of conditions. Officer Kevin de Jesus, who sustained injuries in the March 10th shooting, appeared before an Essex Superior Court judge who outlined the stringent terms governing his release.

The decision marks a significant development in a case that has sent ripples through the North Andover community and law enforcement circles.

Officer de Jesus, who was previously held on charges related to the events preceding the shooting, will now be under constant scrutiny as he awaits further legal proceedings.

Among the key conditions stipulated by the court is a substantial financial requirement: de Jesus must post $50,000 in cash bail or secure a $500,000 surety bond.

Beyond the financial aspect, his movements will be meticulously tracked through a GPS monitoring bracelet, a common measure for individuals facing serious charges and deemed to require oversight.

Further restrictions include a strict overnight curfew, mandating de Jesus to remain at his specified residence—reportedly his mother's home—between 9 PM and 7 AM daily.

He is explicitly prohibited from possessing any firearms and must surrender any weapons currently in his possession. The court has also issued a clear directive: no contact with any individuals involved in the March 10th incident, including other officers or witnesses.

In a move reflecting the sensitivity and mental health implications of such an event, de Jesus is also ordered to abstain entirely from alcohol and illegal substances, with a requirement to submit to random drug and alcohol testing.

Crucially, the court has mandated that he continue with mental health treatment and counseling, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the incident he endured and was part of.

The shooting itself, which occurred on March 10th, remains under investigation, adding layers of complexity to de Jesus's current legal standing.

While details of what precisely led to him being shot by a fellow officer are still emerging or heavily guarded, the focus now shifts to his compliance with these comprehensive release conditions as the legal process unfolds. The North Andover Police Department has largely remained tight-lipped about the internal aspects of the incident, citing ongoing investigations, leaving many questions unanswered for the public.

This conditional release underscores the serious nature of the charges de Jesus faces and the public interest in ensuring justice and safety.

It also highlights the intricate balance courts must strike between individual liberties and community protection in high-profile cases involving law enforcement personnel. The community and legal observers will undoubtedly watch closely as this unprecedented situation continues to develop.