BRISTOL, CT – A Connecticut woman was taken into custody on Friday after allegedly initiating a shootout in a local police department lobby. The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Suzanne Laprise, reportedly entered the Bristol Police Department lobby late Thursday night and began firing multiple rounds at the front desk window.
The desk was vacant at the time of the incident and the bullets were unable to penetrate the bullet-resistant glass, according to police reports. Officers who were on the scene attempted to negotiate with Laprise, but she continued to fire at them. In response, an officer returned fire, but the bullet-resistant glass once again prevented any penetration.
Laprise eventually put down her weapon, allowing officers to use a Taser and apprehend her. She was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation without sustaining any serious injuries. On Friday, police confirmed that Laprise had been discharged from the hospital and was in police custody.
No officers were reported to be injured from the incident. Laprise now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder with special circumstance, illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon, illegal carry of firearms under the influence of drugs/alcohol, violation of pistol permit requirements, illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and breach of peace.
Laprise is currently being held on a $3 million bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at New Britain Superior Court later on Friday. The Bristol Police Department announced that its lobby would be closed for walk-in complaints on Friday to allow for necessary repairs and maintenance.