How Bulletproof Glass and Police Restraint Prevented Tragedy During a Deadly Standoff at Bristol Police Department
What started as a routine evening at the Bristol Police Department quickly escalated into a life-threatening standoff—but miraculously, no one was hurt. On October 5, 2023, a woman armed with a firearm entered the station lobby and fired multiple rounds,
yet thanks to reinforced safety measures and quick, measured police response, the incident ended without casualties. This close call reveals how preparation and restraint can mean the difference between life and death.
The Standoff: Shots Fired but No Harm Done
That night, 51-year-old Suzanne Laprise entered the Bristol Police Department in Connecticut carrying a firearm. She immediately began shooting at the bulletproof glass surrounding the reception area, trying to strike officers and breach the station’s defenses. Fortunately, the reinforced glass held strong, preventing any bullets from penetrating and keeping the officers safe.
As Laprise continued firing, Officer Spencer Boisvert returned fire twice from behind the barrier—but all rounds were stopped by the bullet-resistant glass. When Laprise momentarily lowered her weapon, officers seized the moment to enter the lobby and subdue her using a Taser. Laprise was taken into custody without any injuries to officers or bystanders.
Behind the Incident: A Cry for Help
Court documents later revealed Laprise’s troubled state of mind. Battling depression and feelings of entrapment, she admitted to wanting to provoke police into shooting her. Earlier that evening, she told a bar patron, “I’m going to go to the Bristol Police Department and tell them to kill me, or I will shoot them.”
In February 2025, Laprise pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault as part of a plea deal. On April 8, 2025, she was sentenced to 12 years in prison,
followed by five years of probation. Her probation terms include strict prohibitions on weapon possession and mandates for ongoing mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as intensive therapy.
Lessons in Safety and Restraint
Officials stress that the combination of bulletproof glass and the officers’ restraint prevented a tragedy. Choosing to use a stun gun instead of lethal force, combined with their rapid and strategic response, kept the situation from escalating into deadly violence.
The incident comes as a painful reminder for the Bristol police community, still mourning the loss of two officers ambushed in 2022. It also spotlights the increasing challenge law enforcement faces in managing mental health crises while minimizing harm.
A Call for Awareness and Preparedness
The Bristol shooting underscores the critical importance of physical safety measures like bulletproof barriers in public facilities. But beyond infrastructure, it highlights the need for crisis intervention training, mental health support, and community awareness programs.
This event serves as a sobering reminder that behind many violent incidents are people struggling with unseen battles.
Preparedness, compassion, and measured law enforcement responses are key to preventing these moments from turning fatal.
Quick Facts:
Date: October 5, 2023
Location: Bristol Police Department lobby, CT
Shooter: Suzanne Laprise, 51
Incident: Multiple shots fired into bulletproof glass—no penetration
Police Response: Return fire, followed by Taser subdual
Injuries: None
Sentence: 12 years prison + 5 years probation
Probation Conditions: No weapons; mental health & substance use treatment
Conclusion
Thanks to reinforced safety measures and officers’ disciplined response, a potentially deadly encounter at the Bristol Police Department was defused without harm.
This incident shines a light on the complex interplay of mental health struggles and public safety, urging communities and law enforcement to prioritize both protection and compassionate crisis management.