Suzanne Laprise: Former state worker opens fire inside Bristol police station, threatens to kill herself
BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT: Suzanne Laprise, a 51-year-old former Connecticut state worker, stepped into the Bristol Police Department on October 5 at around 11:30 pm, had a meltdown, and started shooting.
Surveillance footage captured Laprise shooting at the protective glass and repeatedly holding the gun to her head.
Officials stated that an electronic defense weapon was deployed before taking her into custody. She has been arrested and charged and is currently being held on a $3 million dollar bond.
Security footage shows Suzanne Laprise's meltdown
As shown in the recording, Laprise is seen rushing into the police station with a gun held to her head. While smoking a cigarette, she went to the empty front desk and started banging on the windows with her weapon.
She then fired several rounds at the glass before taking off her red jacket.
The officials said that the bullets did not penetrate the glass, reports the Daily Mail.
Laprise proceeded to sit down on a bench in the lobby and held the gun to her head. She is seen firing a round into the ceiling before officers approached her.
According to the Daily Mail, body camera footage of officers shows them assessing the situation before attempting to have an open dialogue with Laprise. They were heard asking if the glass was bulletproof when shots were fired.
The Connecticut Inspector General's office said that Laprise fired additional rounds in the direction of the officers at that time.
Officer Spencer Boisvert returned fire, but the bullet-resistant glass stopped all rounds and no one was hit.
When Laprise put her weapon down, officers rushed towards her, deploying an electronic defense weapon before taking her into custody.
What are the charges against Suzanne Laprise?
Laprise has been charged with criminal attempted murder, illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal carry of firearms under the influence, criminal use of weapon, violation of pistol permit requirements, illegal possession of large capacity magazine, criminal mischief 1st degree, reckless endangerment 1st degree and breach of peace 2nd degree.
She worked for the state Department of Developmental Services, which helps people with disabilities, for 12 years.
Laprise was reportedly heard saying earlier at a nearby bar that she was going to the police station to tell them to "kill me or I will shoot them."
The exact reason of her meltdown is still unclear. The gun that Laprise used belonged to her boyfriend who is a retired New York Police officer.
