A man in Georgia reportedly became so angry over the price of cigarettes at a convenience store that he threatened to shoot the staff and even said he’d “send them back in a box.” The man, who has a long criminal history, was later caught by police after jumping into a pond to escape arrest.
Man Threatens Store Staff Over Cigarette Price
Michael Lee Ansel, 39, is now facing serious charges after allegedly threatening workers at a convenience store in Coffee County, Georgia. According to police, the incident took place around 7 p.m. on a Sunday evening, when Ansel entered the store on Highway 32 and started arguing with employees over cigarette prices.
Witnesses said Ansel got angry because the cigarettes were listed as $6 but being sold for $12. He reportedly left the store twice but returned the third time with a weapon and told employees, “I’m gonna shoot both of y’all.” He also said he would “send them back in a box,” according to law enforcement officials.
Surveillance Footage and Arrest
Deputies reviewed the store’s security camera footage and identified Ansel as the suspect. He is a local resident known to authorities and has a criminal record going back over two decades, including burglary and theft charges.
Detectives launched a search and found Ansel before midnight. When police approached him, he admitted to making threats inside the store because he felt cheated over the cigarette pricing.
Suspect Jumps in Pond, Has Seizure
While trying to arrest him, deputies say Ansel suddenly ran and jumped into a nearby pond in an attempt to escape. As they tried to pull him out, he began having a seizure. Officers quickly gave him medical aid and safely removed him from the water.
Authorities later confirmed that Ansel was carrying a hatchet during the incident, not a firearm as originally feared.
Ansel Held Without Bond
Ansel has been charged with terroristic threats and acts as well as obstructing law enforcement officers. He is currently being held without bond at the Coffee County Pre-Trial Detention Center. Records also show that he was last released from Macon State Prison in August 2024.
This unusual and alarming case highlights how quickly a minor argument can turn dangerous. Threatening violence over something like cigarette prices not only puts lives at risk but also lands people in serious legal trouble.
Thanks to quick police action, no one was injured in the incident, and the suspect is now in custody. As investigations continue, authorities are making it clear that violent behavior — no matter the reason — will not be tolerated.
