Man Suspected of Threatening Bagel Shop Employee on UNC-Chapel Hill Campus Appears in Court

Mikel Harris, the man accused of threatening a bagel shop employee on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, appeared before a judge on Thursday afternoon. The 27-year-old suspect was given a $50,000 bond. Prosecutors requested a higher bond due to Harris’ “escalation of dangerous behavior.”

According to court documents, the incident occurred on Wednesday around 12:44 p.m. when UNC Communications received a report of a man with a gun at Alpine Bagels inside the Student Union. The victim, Jason Carpenter, a supervisor at the bagel shop, stated that Harris pointed a gun at him and threatened to “blow his head off.” Several employees and students witnessed the incident and fled the area before contacting the police.

After reviewing surveillance footage, the police identified Harris as the suspect. The footage showed him attempting to conceal a weapon in his waistband. Harris left the Union in a white Hyundai and was later located at an apartment complex. He was taken into custody by officers from the Chapel Hill Police Department.

The handgun was not found on Harris, and he did not disclose its whereabouts. A search warrant has been issued for Harris’ Hyundai. He has been charged with gun possession on educational property, assault by pointing a gun, and communicating threats.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that Harris had previous charges from earlier this month for waving a bat and communicating threats to a woman. If Harris is released on bond, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm, entering UNC property, and must wear an ankle monitor.