By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Montclair are searching for a Newark man accused of returning to his workplace armed with a rifle, threatening a coworker, and leading police on a pursuit before escaping.
According to Montclair Police, officers responded at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Friday, June 26, to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at 1 Lackawanna Plaza after receiving reports of a man entering the restaurant armed with a long gun.
A large contingent of officers and detectives responded, established a perimeter around the building, and safely evacuated employees and customers before conducting a search.
As officers arrived, one responding officer spotted a gray 2024 Honda Prologue leaving the "dome side" of the Lackawanna Plaza parking lot.
The driver refused to stop and sped away. The vehicle was later pursued by Glen Ridge and Orange police before escaping.
The investigation determined that both the suspect and the victim were employees of the restaurant. Police said the pair had argued throughout the day before the suspect left at the end of his shift.
Authorities said the suspect returned about an hour later carrying a rifle wrapped in a gray sweatshirt and allegedly threatened to kill the victim.
The employee was able to escape to safety and call 911.
During a search of the restaurant, officers recovered the loaded rifle wrapped in a gray sweatshirt inside a first-floor men's restroom.
Following the investigation, police charged 28-year-old Michael Barker with multiple weapons offenses, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest/eluding.
Barker remains at large.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Dan Heiser at 973-509-4714 or Detective Joseph Juliano at 973-509-4724.