SANFORD, FL – A dispute inside a Sanford 7-Eleven escalated into a criminal case last week after a store clerk was accused of detaining a customer against his will, court records show.

Authorities say Mike Whigham, 49, faces a charge of kidnapping by false imprisonment following an incident that unfolded on September 15 at the convenience store located along South Orlando Drive.

The confrontation began when a man entered the shop seeking to buy a Black & Mild cigar. According to details from the police report, the customer was not immediately helped as Whigham was busy cleaning. Tensions soon rose, leading to a heated verbal exchange between the two men.

During the argument, Whigham warned the customer to leave the premises or risk being trespassed and possibly arrested. Instead of leaving, the customer chose to remain in the store, prompting Whigham to take matters into his own hands.

Investigators say the clerk proceeded to lock the store’s front door, barring the customer’s exit while calling 911. The customer, alarmed by being unable to leave, accused Whigham of kidnapping. After this exchange, Whigham unlocked the door but waited for police to arrive.

Sanford Police officers responded to the scene, meeting with the customer who expressed his desire to press charges. The man presented video footage of the encounter, which appeared to corroborate his account. Police described the customer’s tone in the video as upset but not threatening, and stated that he was kept inside the store for about 90 seconds.

Footage reviewed by police revealed Whigham leaving the checkout area, securing the door, and physically standing to obstruct the exit, according to law enforcement documents.

Whigham was read his rights and interviewed by officers. He reportedly told police he locked the door because he was concerned for his safety and wanted the customer to leave. Upon realizing the seriousness of his actions, Whigham said he unlocked the door prior to officers arriving.

After his arrest, Whigham was booked into the Seminole County jail and released on September 19 after posting $5,000 bond.

The case is now moving forward in the courts, with Whigham scheduled for arraignment on November 4. Authorities have not released further details on what led to the initial argument.

No injuries were reported in the incident, but the episode has raised questions about how employees handle confrontational situations in retail settings. The store remained open for regular business following the incident, according to local officials.