A former Connecticut state employee allegedly walked into a police station and started shooting at the front desk — sparking a wild shootout with cops before she was arrested.
Suzanne Laprise, 51, of Plainville, entered the lobby of the Bristol Police Department at around 10:35 p.m. on Thursday and “fired multiple rounds” into the window of the front desk, the police department announced on Facebook.
Fortunately, nobody was at the desk at the time — and the bullets did not penetrate the bullet-resistant glass.
The sound of the gunfire attracted officers inside the building, who responded to the lobby and attempted to negotiate with Laprise, police officials said.
But as they approached, she aimed her weapon at the officers — who responded by returning fire, but “the rounds were again stopped by bullet-resistant glass.”
Eventually, police said, Laprise put down her gun, offering officers enough time to Tase her and take her into custody.
Laprise was taken to a local hospital “without serious injury” and transferred to police custody after evaluation.
No officers were reported injured in the shooting.
A motive for the shooting remains unclear, as the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crimes Division and Inspector General’s Office handle the investigation.
Laprise had previously worked at the Connecticut State Department of Developmental Services, a state official confirmed to CT Insider.
Her role at the department and why she left the agency also remains unclear.
She is now facing a slew of charges, including criminal attempt of murder with special circumstance, illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon, illegal carry of firearms under the influence of drugs/alcohol, violent pistol permit requirements, illegal possession of a large capacity magazine, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and breach of peace.
Laprise was initially held on a $3 million bond and was due to be arraigned at the New Britain Superior Court on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Bristol Police Department said its lobby would be closed for walk-in complaints so that repairs and maintenance could be conducted.