MERRITT ISLAND, FL – An unusual incident at a Subway restaurant on Merritt Island resulted in the arrest of a man with a name matching a controlled substance. Edward Cocaine, 45, allegedly brandished a knife at employees following a dispute over perceived disrespect.
The altercation began when Cocaine and a companion visited the Subway on April 5. According to an arrest affidavit, Cocaine felt he and his friend were treated discourteously by the staff. While the friend opted to leave, Cocaine reportedly chose to confront the employees instead.
Authorities allege that Cocaine crossed into the employee section, pushing past one worker and raising a knife in a threatening manner. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey described the incident on social media, noting the extreme reaction from Cocaine.
The situation de-escalated when Cocaine’s friend intervened, preventing a potentially dangerous encounter, and the pair exited the restaurant.
With assistance from surveillance footage, deputies were able to track down the vehicle belonging to Cocaine’s friend, who later identified Cocaine as the individual responsible for the disturbance.
When confronted by law enforcement, Cocaine reportedly acknowledged that the behavior depicted in the footage was inappropriate. Sheriff Ivey highlighted this admission, emphasizing the serious nature of the actions.
Cocaine is facing multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and burglary with assault or battery. He was released after posting a $17,000 bond and is due back in court on May 6.
This incident has drawn significant attention, both for the unusual nature of the suspect’s name and the seriousness of the allegations. No injuries were reported, but the case serves as a reminder of how rapidly minor situations can escalate into criminal acts.