Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey is using a recent incident at a local Subway restaurant involving a New York man to underscore the county’s distinct approach to law and order, contrasting it sharply with what he perceives as the situation in New York.
In a statement released last week, Ivey identified the arrested individual as Edward Cocaine – noting explicitly, “yes, that’s his real name.”
According to the Sheriff, Cocaine learned “the hard way” about Brevard County’s “if you Mess Around you’re gonna Find Out” philosophy after an altercation escalated dramatically.
READ: 95-Year-Old Man From The Villages Dies After Crashing Into Tree In Sumter County
The incident reportedly occurred last weekend when Cocaine and a companion visited a local Subway restaurant. An argument reportedly ensued with employees over what Cocaine and his friend perceived as “bad attitudes.” Sheriff Ivey speculated, with a touch of humor, that the disagreement might have stemmed from the price of a footlong sandwich no longer being $5.
However, the situation quickly turned serious. Sheriff Ivey stated that Cocaine became so enraged that yelling from across the counter was insufficient. Described as unable to control his “whittle emotions,” Cocaine allegedly went behind the counter, physically pushing an employee before making what the Sheriff called an “even dumber decision” by pulling out a knife.
“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!!” Sheriff Ivey’s statement read.
READ: U.S. Offers $5 Million Reward For MS-13 Honduras Leader “Porky”
On a more positive note, the Sheriff highlighted the actions of Cocaine’s friend, who reportedly attempted to intervene and restrain him, urging him to leave before anyone was harmed.
Following the incident, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Agents conducted an investigation, identifying Cocaine and his friend.
When interviewed, Cocaine reportedly acknowledged that he was the individual in the surveillance video, and while his memory was “a bit off,” he admitted that pulling out a knife “crossed the line of what is appropriate behavior.” Sheriff Ivey’s assessment was blunter, stating Cocaine “completely crossed the line and did dumb stuff that put others lives at risk.”
As a result, Edward Cocaine was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault (x2), Burglary with Assault or Battery, and Battery. Sheriff Ivey stated that these charges guarantee Cocaine a “free ride to Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge.”
READ: Brandon Man Cashes In: $1 Million Florida Lottery Prize Claimed
Joking about the experience awaiting Cocaine, Sheriff Ivey added, “I guarantee he ain’t gonna like the service or the attitude of those who work there!!” He also facetiously described the jail’s food as a “1-star dining facility that is freshly prepared each day in our kitchen by inmates…sounds just yummy!!”
Sheriff Ivey concluded his statement with a clear message: “So what have we learned here folks…first and foremost don’t mess around in Brevard County unless you are ready to spend the night in jail with a few new friends and while eating a less than subpar lunch!!”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
