BRISTOL, Conn. (TCD) — Officials arrested a 51-year-old former state employee accused of opening fire in the lobby of a police station last week.
According to a news release from the Connecticut Inspector General’s Office, on Thursday, Oct. 5, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Suzanne Laprise went into the Bristol Police Department lobby at 131 North Main St. She reportedly banged on the lobby desk office windows with a handgun, but no one was behind them at the time.
Laprise then allegedly opened fire into the windows, but the rounds did not puncture the bulletproof glass.
The Inspector General’s Office said police tried negotiating with Laprise, but she fired additional rounds at officers. In response, an officer returned fire, but the bulletproof glass stopped the rounds. No one was injured during the exchange.
After Laprise placed the handgun down, officers entered the lobby, activated an electronic defense weapon, and arrested her.
According to the Inspector General’s Office, Laprise underwent evaluation at Bristol Hospital, after which she was released and transported back to the Bristol Police Department.
Police said Lapris was charged with criminal attempt/murder with special circumstance, illegal discharge of firearm, illegal carry of firearms under the influence of drug/alcohol, criminal use of weapon, violation of pistol permit requirements, illegal possession of large capacity magazine, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree breach of peace.
According to Connecticut Public Radio, her bond was initially set at $3 million but was lowered to $1 million. She will remain in custody until she is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 17.
Laprise reportedly worked for a state agency that assists developmentally disabled people and is a mother of three adults, including one son with Down syndrome.
On Oct. 6, police said the lobby was closed for walk-in complaints due to repairs and maintenance.