In a newly released arrest warrant, Manchester police say that the Macy's security guard who was shot on Friday had struggled over a gun with an alleged shoplifter at the Buckland Hills mall.
Police say 27-year-old Tirso Polanco and another security guard were pursuing Richard LaPlante, 30, of Windsor, when LaPlante pulled out a small, silver handgun. Polanco and LaPlante were fighting over the gun when LaPlante allegedly opened fire at close range, shooting Polanco in the abdomen.
Polanco was critically wounded and remained at Hartford Hospital on Monday. The warrant reports that Polanco suffered organ damage and "will require several additional surgeries," according to medical professionals.
Police responded at about 12:15 pm Friday and found Polanco wounded. They began a search for the suspect and did not immediately find him. They say surveillance footage shows LaPlante was hiding near dumpsters at a neighboring hotel. He ditched the gun, which has been recovered, then was later captured on video riding a transit bus home to Windsor.
Surveillance footage and criminal background records were used to identify LaPlante. On Saturday, police visited his home, where they found the custom basketball jersey and pair of red Nikes worn during the attack. LaPlante later turned himself in.
LaPlante was held over the weekend, then arraigned at Manchester Superior Court on Monday, on charges of attempted murder, first degree assault, first degree robbery and illegal gun possession. A judge ordered that bail will remain at $1 million. She also transferred the case to a Hartford court.
LaPlante's defense attorney Ronald Johnson told reporters he was not surprised that the judge maintained high bail, "in particular when it happened in a mall scenario."
"The most important thing is we're praying for the victim and that the victim is okay," said Johnson, "and we're praying for his family."
