Man Locked in Mobil Gas Station Smashes Door After Failed Kratom Theft

by Ryan Yousefi May 6, 2025

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Michael James Erskine {BSO}

A man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly attempting to steal kratom from a Mobile gas station convenience store and causing thousands of dollars in property damage while trying to flee.

According to the Margate Police Department incident report, Michael James Erskine, 22, of Margate, entered the Mobile Gas Station, located at 7844 West Sample Roard and requested two packages of kratom —an herbal substance — valued at $16 each, and then attempted to run out of the store without paying after the clerk placed the items on a tray.

The report shows that the clerk, safely behind a locked barrier, quickly activated a security mechanism to lock the store’s front door, trapping Erskine inside before he could escape.

The clerk told Erskine he was calling 911, which made him frantically run throughout the store in search of an exit. Unable to find one, Erskine returned to the counter and placed the kratom down, which the clerk took back.

The report shows moments later, Erskine, unwilling to wait for the police to arrive, allegedly kicked the locked glass door repeatedly, shattering it before fleeing the scene. The store’s owner estimated replacing the shattered door at $6,000.

Surveillance cameras captured the incident, and two witnesses outside the store observed the Erskine attempting to escape through the locked door. One of the witnesses photographed his license plate, eventually leading law enforcement to his residence.

Due to prior interactions and video footage, law enforcement could also positively identify Erskine as the suspect.

Erskine was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.