Police ID woman charged with opening fire inside the Bristol Police Department

Suzanne Laprise faces charges for opening fire inside the Bristol Police Department.| Photo provided by Bristol Police Department

A woman has been taken into police custody after entering the Bristol Police Department last night and shooting multiple rounds into the lobby.

The woman, 51-year-old Suzanne Laprise of Plainville, entered the Bristol Police Department at approximately 10:35 p.m. on Thursday, and fired multiple rounds into the front lobby desk window according to a release from the Bristol Police Department.

The lobby was unoccupied at the time, and the rounds did not penetrate the bullet-resistant glass. When officers rushed to the scene, Laprise responded by firing additional rounds at police officers. The additional rounds were also stopped by the bullet resistant glass, according to police.

When Laprise set down her firearm, officers deployed an electronic control device and took the subject into custody without serious injury. Laprise was released from the hospital early this morning and was taken into Bristol Police Custody.

Laprise has been charged with criminal attempt/murder with special circumstance, illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal carry of firearms under the influence of drugs or alcohol, criminal use of a weapon, violation of pistol permit requirements, illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine, criminal mischief in the first degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree and breach of peace in the second degree.

Laprise is being held on a $3 million bond and will be arraigned later today at New Britain Superior Court.

The Bristol Police Department lobby is closed for walk-in complaints to allow for repairs and maintenance stemming from last night’s shooting incident.

Anyone needing routine police assistance should call the dispatch center at 860-584-3011 to have an officer respond. Bristol City Hall located on the second floor is open for all services.

The Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crimes Division and the Officer of the Inspector General are investigating Thursday night’s incident.


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About the Author

Laura Bailey
Photographer and photojournalist living in Bristol Connecticut