Coffee County man threatens employees over cigarette prices, jumps into pond after running from deputies

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COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A man was arrested and charged after threatening employees over cigarette prices, then jumping into a pond while running from police.

Through an investigation by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the suspect was identified as 39-year-old Michael Lee Ansel, of Coffee County. He has a known criminal record.

CCSO said that the incident happened at a convenience store on Highway 32. Deputies were called out at around 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.

Eyewitnesses told deputies that Ansel entered the store and started arguing with staff about the prices of cigarettes. He left the store twice before returning a third time while wielding a hatchet.

During his final entry, he threatened store employees, saying, “I’m gonna shoot both of y’all.”

When deputies arrived, they secured the scene and started reviewing surveillance footage.

At around 9:30 p.m., deputies began to search for Ansel. He was found shortly after midnight.

When deputies made contact with him, Ansel admitted to entering the store and making threats to “send them back in a box.”

He cited frustration over the cigarette pricing advertised at $6, but sold for $12, as motivation for his outburst.

Deputies told Ansel that he was being arrested for making terroristic threats. He refused to comply and immediately jumped into a nearby pond, according to CCSO.

As deputies tried to safely get to Ansel, he began having a seizure.

Deputies quickly rendered aid and safely took him out of the water without injuring him or others.

Ansel was taken into custody and taken to the Coffee County Pre-Trial Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond.

He is facing the following charges:

• Terroristic Threats and Acts
• Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers

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