Man allegedly claimed to be Richmond Co. Lieutenant, refused to leave Columbia County restaurant after argument

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – 55-year-old Michael Wayne Simpson was arrested Friday night, after allegedly refusing to leave a Columbia County restaurant after an argument about non-payment for a beer and later charged with Impersonating A Public Officer and Disorderly Conduct.

The incident happened January 26 at T-Bonz Steakhouse on N. Belair Square in Evans.

The report states that Simpson ordered a beer at the restaurant, put three dollars on the bar, and told the bartender to ‘hold the beer’ while he put his service animal into his vehicle.

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The bartender then reportedly said no, as the beer cost more than three dollars. The incident report then states that Simpson began to furiously argue with the bartender before being asked to leave, which he refused to do. Simpson then allegedly yelled that he was going to his car because he had a gun in it.

Once Columbia County law enforcement arrived at the scene, Simpson allegedly identified himself as a Lieutenant with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. When asked to provide credentials, Simpson claimed he was ‘still in training’ but that he was automatically promoted to Lieutenant ‘due to his experience’.

A representative of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office stated to Columbia County investigators that he was NOT employed with them.

A search of Simpson’s vehicle revealed a duty belt with holster, a BB gun made to look like a real Smith & Wesson handgun, and a radio attached to the belt.

Simpson was taken into custody and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center. He is charged with Impersonating a Public Officer and Disorderly Conduct.

Columbia County Animal Services was contacted to retrieve the dog.

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