CHICAGO — A fast-acting Popeyes employee is being credited for thwarting a late-night armed robbery in North Lawndale, after escaping the restaurant and flagging down a Chicago police patrol just outside.
The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. on June 23 at the Popeyes located at 3457 West Roosevelt Road, when prosecutors say 28-year-old Micah Harris crawled through the drive-thru window while wielding a gun.
Terrifying Scene Inside Restaurant
According to court documents, four employees were closing the store when Harris made his way inside, prompting immediate panic.
A 33-year-old female worker noticed the suspect enter and wasted no time — sprinting out the front door to seek help. Her instincts proved critical. She located a CPD squad car waiting at a red light nearby, ran up, and shouted:
“Help me! Help me! He has a gun! He’s trying to get into the safe!”
Officers quickly made a U-turn and entered the restaurant, finding the suspect behind the counter, still armed.
Victims Threatened, Beaten
Inside, Harris reportedly took control of the scene:
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He allegedly threatened to kill a 58-year-old woman unless she revealed the safe’s location.
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When a 44-year-old male employee couldn’t help, Harris allegedly kicked, punched, and pistol-whipped him, all while demanding access to the safe.
The attack was brutal, according to prosecutors, who described Harris as acting with violent force against each of the remaining employees.
Arrest Made at the Scene
As officers entered the building, Harris tried to flee through the back door. However, police caught him exiting with a loaded firearm still in his hand, ending the dangerous confrontation.
He was arrested on the spot and charged with:
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Attempted armed robbery
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Aggravated armed kidnapping
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Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon
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Multiple counts of unlawful restraint
Judge Deidre Dyer has ordered that Harris remain in detention as he awaits trial.
Local Residents React
Neighbors and community members praised the quick thinking of the employee who alerted police.
“She saved lives. It could’ve gone so much worse,” said a nearby resident who frequents the Popeyes.
The location has not reported similar violent incidents in recent years, but residents say the event underscores the ongoing need for security and visibility in late-night shifts across the city’s food service sector.
Have you or someone you know experienced a similar situation at work in Chicago? Share your story or your thoughts in the comments section at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters.
