ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on March 30, 2026, after he allegedly brandished a pocketknife at an employee at the Family Dollar located at 2360 West Oak Ridge Road after they refused to sell him alcohol.
Deputies responded to the business at approximately 6:25 pm following reports of an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, an assistant manager who requested not to be identified, told investigators the confrontation began when Juan Martinez Gomez was denied the purchase of alcoholic beverages because he appeared intoxicated.
Gomez reportedly told the manager he had been in jail three times previously and flashed a wallet containing $300 to prove he could pay for the merchandise. The assistant manager informed Gomez that the money was not the reason for the refusal.
Gomez then moved toward the register door and leaned on it with his arms crossed, cursing at the manager. When the manager advised him to leave the store, Gomez allegedly pulled out a black pocketknife and pointed it at her. He repeated the curse as he left the building.
The victim told deputies she was in fear for her life and immediately called the police. Although Gomez was gone when law enforcement arrived, store surveillance footage captured the encounter. The video depicted a man wearing a black shirt with the word “Exorcist” in red lettering, black pants, and white shoes.
Deputies conducted an initial search of the area but did not find anyone matching the description at that time. However, at approximately 9:09 p.m., a man matching the suspect’s description was spotted at the same Family Dollar location. Deputies responded to the scene and detained Gomez.
The black pocketknife reportedly used during the assault was collected and submitted as evidence. Investigators determined that Gomez intentionally and unlawfully threatened the victim, creating a fear that violence was imminent. Gomez was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He was arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail.
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