Miami man caught with fraudulent credit cards

Marathon – A Miami man who tried unsuccessfully to use several fraudulent credit cards at the Marathon Publix grocery store was arrested Saturday afternoon.

Deputy Bradford Colen responded to Publix at 2 p.m. after the manager called to report a man was attempting to use fraudulent credit cards in the store. When the deputy arrived, the manager pointed the man out, handing over two of the cards he tried to use. He said the man had tried to buy two $300 Publix gift cards using several cards, none of which were legitimate cards.

When 35 year old Eladio Gonzalez saw the deputy walk in, he fled from the store with the deputy in pursuit. Gonzalez ran behind the store and into a wooded area. Sgt. Dennis Coleman arrived as back-up; he ran into the wooded area after Gonzalez. The officers caught up with him, with Sgt. Coleman ordering Gonzalez to the ground. Instead of complying with the sergeant’s orders, Gonzalez began reaching into the front of his pants. Fearing the man had a weapon, Deputy Colen deployed his Taser. Gonzalez was then handcuffed and taken into custody.

Gonzalez’ wallet was recovered from a trash can at Publix. Inside, deputies found 19 fraudulent credit cards and a fake Pennsylvania driver’s license. He was charged with possessing the fake license, fraudulent use of a credit card, five counts of passing counterfeited credit cards and resisting arrest. He was booked into jail.