Shockwaves in North Andover: Officer Accused of Shooting Colleague Placed on House Arrest After Not Guilty Plea

A deeply unsettling incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet community of North Andover, as a police officer stands accused of a shocking act: shooting a colleague. The officer, identified as Thomas Miller, has formally entered a not guilty plea and, in a move that has sparked widespread discussion, has been placed under house arrest pending further legal proceedings.

This unprecedented event has left the North Andover Police Department and its residents grappling with questions and concerns.

The alleged shooting occurred on the evening of July 15th, within the very confines of the North Andover police station, specifically in the locker room area. Sources close to the investigation suggest that a heated argument between Officer Miller and his colleague, Officer Sarah Jenkins, tragically escalated out of control.

It is alleged that Officer Miller discharged his service weapon, striking Officer Jenkins in the shoulder. Fortunately, Officer Jenkins was rushed to Lawrence General Hospital and is currently recovering from what has been described as a serious but non-life-threatening injury.

Following the immediate aftermath of the incident, Officer Miller was swiftly taken into custody.

He faces grave charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. During his recent arraignment at Lawrence District Court, Officer Miller, through his legal counsel, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.

The decision by the judge to grant house arrest instead of holding Officer Miller without bail has drawn significant attention.

Citing factors such as Officer Miller's lack of a prior criminal record and strong ties to the community, the court imposed strict conditions. These include mandatory GPS monitoring, a rigorous curfew, the immediate surrender of all firearms, and a strict no-contact order with the victim, Officer Jenkins, or any witnesses involved in the case.

This measure underscores the complex nature of the situation, balancing public safety with the rights of the accused.

The North Andover Police Department has publicly expressed profound sadness over the incident, issuing a statement that reaffirms their commitment to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

They emphasized the rare and deeply unfortunate nature of an internal conflict of this magnitude. The episode has undoubtedly placed immense strain on departmental morale and has prompted local residents to raise critical questions about internal protocols, officer well-being, and the broader implications for trust in local law enforcement.

As the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant, keenly observing every development.

This highly unusual case, involving officers on opposite sides of the law, is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for police procedures, inter-departmental relationships, and public confidence in North Andover's protective services. The upcoming trial is expected to unearth more details, providing clarity on the circumstances that led to this tragic confrontation within the ranks.