NewsOK member benefits

Del City supervisor is accused of threatening worker with knife

Alan B. Coffin, 51, of Oklahoma City, is accused of attacking a man he supervises at the Del City Water Treatment Plant because the man couldn't find piece of equipment.

By Tim Willert | Published: June 8, 2012

A supervisor at a water treatment plant in Del City is accused of pinning a co-worker against a wall and threatening him with a knife.

Alan Blaine Coffin, 51, of Oklahoma City, was charged Thursday in Oklahoma County District Court with one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Coffin, who supervises Michael Harris, became angry with Harris for not being able to find a piece of equipment, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Harris told Del City police that Coffin retrieved a folding knife, opened it and approached him as he washed his hands, the affidavit states. Coffin then pinned Harris against the wall with his forearm, pointed the knife at him and threatened to kill him, police reported.

Coffin told investigators he retrieved the knife from Harris' keychain and pointed it at Harris, telling him “I get so mad at you I could stick you,” the affidavit states.

Several witnesses told police Coffin has an anger management problem and has singled out Harris for abuse before.

Coffin was not in custody Thursday, police said.