Florida Man's 1 Cent Arrest
A Florida man named Michael Fleming recently made headlines for an arrest that is as strange as it is intriguing. The 41-year-old was charged with robbery after attempting to withdraw a single cent from a Chase Bank in Lady Lake, a small town about 60 miles northwest of Orlando.
A Peculiar Plan
The incident took place just before 2 p.m. on a typical June afternoon. Fleming walked into the Chase Bank located along U.S. Route 441 and filled out a withdrawal slip. The amount he requested? One cent. He handed the slip to the bank teller, who promptly informed him that his request could not be fulfilled.
What happened next was both unexpected and alarming. According to an arrest report obtained by PEOPLE, Fleming responded, "So you want me to say the other word?" The teller, fearing that the situation might escalate into violence, quickly notified law enforcement. By the time the sheriff's deputies arrived, they found Fleming sitting calmly in the lobby, waiting for them.
Arrest Without Incident
Photo by: Sumpter County Sheriffs Office
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office arrested Fleming without any trouble. In a recorded interview, Fleming revealed his unusual intentions. He admitted that his goal was to get arrested. According to the arrest affidavit, Fleming initially tried to go to a nearby Citizens First Bank, but it was closed. So, he drove to Chase Bank instead.
In his own words according to PEOPLE, Fleming explained his reasoning to the deputies. "Most of the time, the way tellers are trained if someone comes in to rob you, you give them the money and let them go," he said. His plan hinged on this standard procedure. He expected the teller to give him the one cent he requested, after which he would sit down and wait for law enforcement to arrive. However, when the teller refused to comply, Fleming simply waited for the inevitable arrival of the police.
A Deeper Look
Fleming does not have an account with Chase Bank, adding another layer of peculiarity. It remains unclear what bank details he provided on the withdrawal slip, or why he chose such a minimal amount of money for his so-called robbery.
Despite the bizarre nature of the crime, no money was taken, and there was no actual threat of violence. The bank teller's quick response and the non-violent resolution of the situation reflect both the training of bank employees and the unusual demeanor of the suspect.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Fleming was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center. Initially held without bond, recent court updates indicate that he has been granted a court-appointed attorney and his bond has been set at $5,000. Court records also reveal that Fleming has no prior convictions for robbery.
This unusual case has garnered attention not only for its odd details but also for the questions it raises about Fleming's motivations and mental state. Why would someone go to such lengths to get arrested? What circumstances led him to devise such a peculiar plan? These are questions that may not be fully answered until further proceedings in the case.
The strange case of Michael Fleming serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime and human behavior. While most bank robberies involve a clear motive and tangible threats, this incident stands out for its sheer oddity. As Fleming awaits further legal proceedings, the story continues to captivate and baffle those who hear it.
References: Why Was a Fla. Man Arrested After Trying to Withdraw 1 Cent from Bank? | 'You want me to say the other word?': Florida man arrested after allegedly trying to withdraw 1 cent from bank
