Bristol, CT – A Plainville woman involved in the Bristol Police Department Shooting in October 2023 has pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault. Suzanne Laprise, 51, opened fire inside the department’s lobby before being apprehended. She entered the plea during a court hearing and now faces up to 12 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 8.
Incident Overview
On October 5, 2023, Laprise walked into the lobby of the Bristol Police Department and fired multiple rounds at the bullet-resistant glass separating officers from the public. At the time, the front desk office was unoccupied, preventing immediate injuries.
Officers responded swiftly, attempting to de-escalate the situation by engaging with Laprise. However, she continued firing. Officer Spencer Boisvert, positioned behind a secured door, returned fire, though his rounds did not penetrate the reinforced glass. Officers eventually subdued Laprise using a stun gun before taking her into custody.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Following a review by the Office of the Inspector General, authorities ruled that Officer Boisvert acted appropriately in the situation, emphasizing that his actions were justified in response to an active threat.
Laprise was subsequently charged with attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon, and criminal mischief. As part of her plea deal, she admitted guilt to attempted first-degree assault, with other charges potentially being reduced or dismissed at sentencing.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Bristol Police Department praised its officers for their professionalism and quick response, which prevented serious harm.
“This was a dangerous situation, and our officers handled it with courage and composure”
a department spokesperson said.
This incident occurred nearly a year after the tragic loss of Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy, who were killed in an ambush while responding to a 911 call in October 2022. The back-to-back violent encounters have heightened concerns about officer safety in the region.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Laprise is currently being held in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8. If given the full sentence, she could serve up to 12 years behind bars.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the importance of stringent security measures within police stations. Authorities have reassured the public that safety protocols remain in place to protect both officers and civilians.
