A Connecticut woman was arrested after she walked into the lobby of the Bristol Police Department, banged on the glass with her gun, and fired multiple rounds before being detained by several officers. The incident was caught on security camera.
Last week, 51-year-old Suzanne Laprise entered the police station's lobby in Bristol, Connecticut, carrying a gun and proceeded to fire shots, narrowly missing police officers.
The video captures Laprise's entrance into the police station lobby on North Main Street, Bristol, around 11:30 p.m. Laprise approaches the front lobby desk office windows and repeatedly bangs on them with her firearm. Fortunately, the front desk was unoccupied at the time.
After vigorously banging on the bullet-resistant windows, the video shows Laprise discharging multiple rounds into the glass. The bullets failed to penetrate the bullet-resistant glass.
Following the initial shots, Laprise wanders around the lobby while police officers try to engage with her. Laprise then fires additional rounds in the direction of the officers, sparking a potentially deadly situation. One of the officers returns fire, discharging two shots.
You can see the video below.
Main_Lobby_View youtu.be
The Office of the Inspector General confirmed that the bullet-resistant glass effectively stopped all rounds, preventing any injuries. Once Laprise put her weapon down, officers entered the lobby, using a stun gun to subdue her. She was subsequently taken into custody.
Laprise was transported to Bristol Hospital for evaluation and later appeared in court to face a series of charges, including criminal attempt to commit murder with special circumstances, carrying a firearm under the influence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, criminal use of a firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, criminal mischief, and breach of peace.
Many were taken aback by the news and some noted the outcome might have been different if Laprise, who is White, was a person of color, who are more likely to be killed by police violence.
Court documents shed light on Laprise's activities leading up to the incident. She had been at a bar on North Main Street around 9:45 p.m., where she had a drink and a shot.
According to the documents, Laprise informed a woman outside the bar that she was carrying a firearm and intended to visit the police department to demand they either kill her or she would shoot them. Concerned for Laprise's well-being, the woman offered suggestions on seeking mental health treatment, including approaching the police for assistance.
Laprise and the woman agreed that Laprise should return home, and Laprise left in the direction of the police station. The woman then informed the bar owner about the encounter, leading to a call to the police. Simultaneously, another individual at the bar reported that Laprise had halted her car in front of the police department.
Investigations revealed that Laprise did not possess a valid pistol permit in the State of Connecticut and had never applied for one with the Bristol Police Department.
The incident resulted in damage to the Bristol Police Department's lobby, which was temporarily closed for walk-in complaints to facilitate necessary repairs and maintenance. The cost of replacing the damaged windows is estimated at $26,000.
