A convenience store clerk in Florida was recently taken into custody for allegedly detaining a customer during a dispute, according to local law enforcement. Mike Whigham, 49, is facing a charge of kidnapping by false imprisonment, as per the court records of Seminole County.
The incident in question took place at a 7-Eleven store located on South Orlando Drive in Sanford, a city within the larger Orlando metropolitan area. On September 15, a man contacted the police to report his experience while attempting to buy a Black & Mild, a popular small flavored cigar.
The customer claimed that upon entering the store, Whigham, who was cleaning at the time, did not pause to assist him. This led to a verbal altercation between the two men. Whigham allegedly threatened to have the customer arrested for trespassing if he did not leave the store.
The situation escalated when Whigham reportedly locked the store door, preventing the customer from leaving while he dialed 911. The customer accused Whigham of kidnapping him, prompting the clerk to unlock the door and await the arrival of the police.
When law enforcement arrived, they spoke with the customer who expressed his desire to press charges against Whigham. The customer had recorded the incident on his phone, and the police stated that the video corroborated the customer’s account of the event.
The video showed Whigham leaving the cashier counter, locking the front door, and physically blocking the door while on the phone with 911. The customer, who appeared agitated but not aggressive in the video, was locked in the store for approximately one minute and thirty seconds.
Whigham was read his rights and interviewed by the police. His account of the incident did not significantly differ from the customer’s version of events. Whigham admitted that he had locked the door to keep the customer inside until the police arrived, but later unlocked it, realizing his actions were wrong.
Whigham was released from jail on September 19 after posting a $5,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on November 4.