Manchester CT Macy loss prevention agent shot while apprehending a shoplifter
MANCHESTER, Conn. Aug 22 2022 — A security officer was shot during a reported shoplifting attempt at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, police told FOX61 Friday.
Police officers were called to the mall around 12:29 p.m. Friday on a call of a reported shooting.
Police told FOX61 that a loss prevention officer at Macy’s was shot twice in the abdomen while he was trying to apprehend a shoplifting suspect in the parking lot.
The suspect has been identified as Richard LaPlante, 30, of Windsor.
A warrant had been issued for LaPlante’s arrest and investigators are following leads to locate him as he is still at large.
The 27-year-old victim, who has not been identified, was taken to Hartford Hospital with injuries. An employee at the Buckland Hills Mall Macys said the victim is recovering after surgery and is doing better.
Several police vehicles were seen outside the Macy’s entrance in the parking lot, along with K9 troops searching the woods behind the mall.
South Windsor police, Vernon police and Connecticut state police are assisting.
A Macy’s spokesperson told FOX61 News in a statement that the company is “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“The safety of our customers and our colleagues is Macy’s top priority,” the spokesperson said. “We are working closely with the local police department on this investigation and defer all comments about the case to them per policy.”
One local mom told FOX61’s Matt Caron her daughter is still inside the building. The daughter was in the dressing room when shots were fired.
“I know she was really scared,” the mom said.
The Shoppes at Buckland Hills has more than 120 stores and eateries. It’s located just off of Interstates 84 and 291.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Manchester Police Department at (860)645-5500.