Miami-Dade resident charged with assault and shooting ex‑girlfriend
Erick LaPlante, 33, was taken into custody by the Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday evening after a domestic‑violence incident at his home in Miami‑Dade County. Deputies reported that LaPlante placed a handgun in a woman’s mouth, demanded access to her cellphone, and when she refused, began a violent assault.
Investigators say the victim, the mother of their 9‑month‑old child, was pushed to the ground, physically restrained, and subjected to strangulation. LaPlante allegedly fired a shot that “nearly missed” her while she was on the floor. During the attack he struck her repeatedly with the firearm, punched her, and choked her, causing visible injuries including a lower‑lip cut and neck scratches. The infant child was present on the bed during the confrontation.
After the attack, the victim fled with her child, aided by her sister, who arrived at the house shortly after the incident. LaPlante was located later and signed a plea of no contest, invoking his right to remain silent.
LaPlante faces multiple felony counts, including attempted felony murder with a firearm, armed robbery with a firearm, battery by strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, child neglect without great bodily harm, and battery. He is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bond to be set.