Officials ID Police Officer Involved in Shooting

The Essex DA's Office has named the police officer involved in the shooting of Christopher Whitmarsh in Beverly, Massachusetts.

On October 13 the DA's Office confirmed that Beverly Patrol Officer April Clariza was involved in the Balch Street shooting.

Christopher Whitmarsh, 49, of Hamilton, was shot in his vehicle after he allegedly hit four cars, including two police cruisers.

Investigators said Whitmarsh was suicidal.

Remnants of the emergency remain behind the Cummings Center on Balch Street, where the incident happened.

"We were just like, 'Wow that just really happened,'" said Tom Birarelli of Beverly. "It was crazy. The cop car was all smashed up."

The investigation continued through the night, keeping a well-traveled street shut down and a community stunned.

"It's kind of a quiet city, but for this to happen, it's kind of shocking," said Robert Lebel of Beverly.

Now, the Essex County District Attorney's Office is investigating the senior Beverly Police officer's reaction while that officer is on administrative leave.

"I think they're dealing with it properly, so I just hope that all turns out well and it doesn't become a big problem that an officer shot someone, because I think they dealt with it properly, from what I heard," Lebel said.

"If I was the police officer, I would be scared for my life too," said Birarelli. "Like, why is this person doing this?"

Saturday, Alicia Guerette told necn Whitmarsh was targeting his wife in the Toyota Highlander, which Guerette's mother was driving.

The Essex County District Attorney's Office wouldn't comment on that relationship, saying its all part of the investigation. The DA's office also says that they are still investigating the shooting to determine if Officer Clarizia lawfully fired her weapon Chris Whitmarsh's car.

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