Coffee County Man Arrested After Hatchet Threat Over Cigarette Prices

COFFEE COUNTY, GA — On the evening of July 27, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed robbery at a convenience store on Highway 32. The call came in around 7:00 p.m., and witnesses told deputies a male suspect had threatened employees over the price of cigarettes.

According to witness statements, the suspect entered the store multiple times, each time growing more agitated over the pricing discrepancy—reportedly advertised at $6 but sold for $12. On the third entry, he returned wielding a weapon and allegedly told employees, “I’m gonna shoot both of y’all.”

Deputies reviewed surveillance footage and quickly identified the suspect as 39-year-old Michael Lee Ansel, a Coffee County resident with a known criminal history. Detectives confirmed Ansel’s identity by 9:30 p.m. and launched a search for him.

Shortly before midnight, investigators located Ansel. During contact, Ansel admitted to making the threats and told deputies he wanted to “send them back in a box.” When informed of his arrest, Ansel attempted to flee by jumping into a nearby pond. While deputies worked to detain him safely, Ansel began experiencing a seizure. Officers pulled him from the water and provided aid. No injuries were reported.

Authorities later confirmed the weapon he carried during the incident was a hatchet.

Ansel was transported to the Coffee County Pre-Trial Detention Center and is being held without bond. He is charged with: