Florida Man Edward Cocaine Arrested After Knife Incident at Subway Restaurant

A tense situation erupted in Brevard County, Florida, this weekend, when a lunch order at a Merritt Island Subway restaurant spiraled out of control and resulted in the arrest of a local man. The case, involving Edward Cocaine, 45, has drawn regional attention not just for its bizarre details but also for raising questions about escalating customer service disputes and public safety.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded on April 5 when Edward Cocaine and a friend entered the Subway for lunch. An argument quickly developed between the pair and employees over what Cocaine described as 'bad attitudes.' Witnesses and official reports state that Cocaine's anger intensified to the point that he jumped the counter, physically shoved one employee, and ultimately pulled out a knife, making menacing gestures toward the staff.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office stated, "Yes, folks, you read that correctly, he pulled out a knife and gestured as if he was going to injure them all because he didn't like the way they spoke to him and his friend." Security footage corroborated the employees’ account, showing workers attempting to keep the armed man from moving further behind the counter.

In a moment that may have prevented further harm, Cocaine’s friend managed to restrain him and convinced him to leave the restaurant before the situation escalated further. Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, reviewed surveillance videos, and tracked Cocaine down. The suspect eventually admitted to officers that he was the man seen on the footage. He reportedly acknowledged during questioning that pulling a knife crossed the line of acceptable behavior, saying, “I’d say that completely crossed the line and did dumb stuff that put others’ lives at risk.”

Cocaine was arrested and faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary with assault or battery, and simple battery. Jail and court records show that he remains in custody while the investigation continues. Authorities also noted he was believed to have fled initially in a red Dodge Ram pickup truck with a red topper.

The incident has sparked discussion about workplace safety in fast food and retail environments, where disputes over customer service can sometimes escalate with little warning. As Sheriff Wayne Ivey alluded to in comments shared from his office, quick action by employees and witnesses can make a critical difference in these volatile situations.

With tempers flaring and weapons being brandished over minor disputes, this case highlights the challenges faced by service workers across the country — and serves as a stark reminder that escalating arguments can have dangerous, even criminal, consequences. What steps should businesses and the public take to prevent situations like this from recurring? Share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment below.

• Brevard County
• Edward Cocaine
• Merritt Island