HOMESTEAD, Fla. – A 42-year-old homeless man was arrested Friday after police said he threatened the owner of a Homestead café with a knife following an argument that stemmed over free food.
Officers were dispatched to the Sonoco gas station, located at 390 NE Eighth St. after police said they received reports of a man who had broken a glass window at a nearby business, MMABE Café, and was involved in an argument with the café's owner.
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The café owner told detectives that the suspect, who police identified as Carlos Isaac Canales, arrived at the café demanding free food.
When employees and the owner refused, Canales became irate, throwing chairs and hitting tables in the outside dining area before punching and damaging a sliding glass door, according to his arrest report.
That’s when police said Canales, who is listed as homeless in his arrest report, rode his bicycle across the street to the gas station, where the owner followed and contacted Homestead police.
Authorities said while waiting for officers to arrive, the owner witnessed Canales arguing with a bystander.
Moments later, police said in a separate incident, Canales attempted to grab a golf club from the bystander’s bag, leading to a struggle. The bystander intervened, taking possession of the golf club, but the fight continued, they said.
During the altercation, the bystander fled, and Canales threatened the café owner with a knife and screwdriver, according to investigators. The owner retreated to his vehicle until police arrived.
Upon searching Canales, police said officers found a golf club, screwdriver, a large kitchen knife and a crack pipe in his bag. The bystander involved in the fight had left the scene and could not be located, they said.
Canales was arrested and taken to Baptist Health Homestead Hospital for medical clearance before being booked at the Homestead Police Department.
All items found in his possession were submitted as evidence, authorities said.
Jail records show Canales is facing one count each of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a weapon, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal mischief.
As of Monday, Canales is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond has not yet been determined.