Target bomb threat was attempt to distract officers

Nov. 17, 2008
Man tried to distract LP officers from investigating his sister's alleged shoplifting

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Nov. 13--A Hempfield man will serve one year on probation for calling in a bomb threat to a Target store to distract security officers investigating an alleged retail theft by his sister.

Mikel Drew Uncapher, 24, of 1061 Carbon Road, pleaded guilty last month to misdemeanor charges of making a bomb threat and terroristic threats. Two felony charges were dismissed, according to court records.

As part of his probation, he was ordered to have no contact with any Target stores.

Uncapher was charged Aug. 5 for the incident that occurred that day at the Hempfield store.

Police said Uncapher's sister, Helena, had been detained by store personnel for allegedly stealing items. Mikel Uncapher was told he could leave the store.

Minutes later, police said, Mikel Uncapher called the store and said a bomb might be in the building.

Police found Mikel Uncapher in the parking lot. He admitted to police he made the call on his sister's cell phone and had used the 411 telephone service to connect to the store.

Helena Uncapher still faces retail theft charges stemming from the incident.