Knife-wielding Florida man with last name ‘Cocaine’ arrested after allegedly attacking Subway employees with ‘bad attitudes’

New York Post - Apr 16th, 2025

In Brevard County, Florida, a man named Edward Cocaine was arrested after allegedly threatening Subway restaurant employees with a knife over what he perceived as poor customer service. The altercation began with a verbal dispute that escalated when Cocaine jumped over the counter, pushed an employee, and brandished a knife. His friend managed to calm him down, and they left the premises before being apprehended by local authorities. The incident was captured on security footage, which Cocaine later confirmed depicted him. He admitted to overreacting and was subsequently charged with several offenses, including aggravated assault and battery.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the bizarre nature of the incident but also due to Cocaine's unusual last name, which had previously caused amusement in a courtroom during a 2014 drug possession charge. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office highlighted the incident with a warning that such behavior leads to arrest in their jurisdiction. Sheriff Wayne Ivey's statements emphasized that local law enforcement takes threats of violence seriously, reflecting a broader societal concern about safety in public spaces. This incident underscores issues related to customer service interactions and the importance of de-escalation in potentially violent situations.

Aggravated Assault Brevard County Customer Service Edward Cocaine Subway Restaurant Sheriff Wayne Ivey Security Footage

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a unique and engaging news story, with a focus on the arrest of Edward Cocaine in Brevard County, Florida. Its strengths lie in its factual accuracy, engaging narrative, and the use of credible sources, such as the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. The story's readability and timeliness further enhance its appeal, making it accessible and relevant to a wide audience.

However, the article could benefit from greater balance and transparency. While it presents the law enforcement perspective well, it lacks input from other parties involved, such as the Subway employees or Edward Cocaine himself. Additionally, the story would benefit from more explicit transparency regarding the information-gathering process.

Overall, the article succeeds as an engaging human-interest piece with a focus on novelty and entertainment value. While it may not have significant societal impact, it captures reader attention through its intriguing subject matter and the integration of humor. The story effectively balances factual reporting with narrative elements, making it a compelling read.

Accuracy

The story appears largely accurate, with several key facts confirmed by external sources. The identity of Edward Cocaine and his arrest in Brevard County, Florida, is supported by multiple reports. The incident details, including the altercation at the Subway restaurant and subsequent charges, align with the sheriff's records and media reports. However, while the 2014 drug possession case is mentioned, it lacks independent verification within the provided sources. Sheriff Wayne Ivey's statements are consistent with his public social media posts, enhancing the story's credibility. The accuracy of specific details, such as Cocaine's memory of the incident, remains less clear and could benefit from further investigation.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of law enforcement, particularly through quotes from Sheriff Wayne Ivey. This focus may introduce a slight bias by not including the viewpoints of Edward Cocaine or his legal representation. The narrative centers on the criminal aspects and the sheriff's humorous remarks, potentially overshadowing other perspectives, such as those of the Subway employees or Cocaine's friend. While the story effectively conveys the sheriff's stance, it could provide a more balanced view by incorporating additional voices or context from the involved parties.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure and logical flow. The narrative is engaging, using a mix of factual reporting and quotes to convey the story. The humorous tone adopted in the sheriff's remarks is effectively integrated, adding personality without detracting from the seriousness of the incident. However, the humor could potentially undermine the gravity of the situation for some readers. Overall, the article is easy to follow and presents the information in an accessible manner.

Source quality

The primary source for the story is the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, which is a credible and authoritative entity for law enforcement matters. Sheriff Wayne Ivey's public statements lend authenticity to the narrative. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of sources, such as eyewitness accounts or statements from the Subway employees involved. The reliance on a single official perspective may limit the depth of the story, but the sheriff's office's involvement ensures a reliable account of the arrest and charges.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about the incident and the charges against Edward Cocaine, but it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather this information. The story does not explicitly mention how the details were obtained, whether through direct interviews, press releases, or other means. Additionally, while it references past legal issues, it does not clarify the source of this historical information. Greater transparency about the information-gathering process and potential conflicts of interest would enhance the article's credibility.