Florida Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Elderly Parents
In a shocking development, a Democrat campaigning to become Florida's next governor has been arrested after allegedly beating two elderly individuals and threatening to kill them, according to law enforcement authorities.
Multiple Serious Charges Filed
Kevin Cichowski, 46, was charged on Friday with multiple counts including aggravated battery, tampering with a witness, and robbery, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office confirmed. Cichowski is officially listed as a Democratic candidate for governor with the Florida Division of Elections and previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021.
His campaign website appeared to be inaccessible on Monday, and attempts to reach Cichowski for comment were unsuccessful.
Violent Incident at Palm Coast Home
Police received an emergency report on Friday morning indicating that Cichowski had allegedly battered two elderly victims, believed to be his parents, inside their Palm Coast residence. According to authorities, he allegedly struck one victim with a cane and threw a cellphone at the other while reportedly armed with a firearm.
'The 911 caller, who was one of the victims, further reported the suspect, Kevin Cichowski, had threatened to kill them multiple times and stated he would kill law enforcement if they were called,' the Flagler County Sheriff's Office stated in an official release.
Dramatic Rescue Operation
When deputies arrived at the residence, they discovered the two victims hiding in a bedroom. Authorities reported that the victims were unable to leave the home because one of them was bedridden. After safely evacuating the victims, police confronted Cichowski and placed him under arrest.
In body camera footage from the incident, Cichowski claimed his parents were experiencing mental health problems and alleged that his father had attempted to kill him. 'I haven't done anything wrong,' Cichowski protested as officers escorted him to a patrol vehicle. 'This is insane.'
Mental Health Evaluation and Previous Arrest
While being transported to the detention facility, police reported that Cichowski made suicidal statements and was consequently placed into protective custody under Florida's Baker Act. This legislation permits involuntary emergency mental health examination and temporary detention for up to seventy-two hours for individuals deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Cichowski faces a comprehensive list of charges including:
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Two counts of battery on a person over sixty-five
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Tampering with a witness
- Two counts of robbery by sudden snatching
This incident follows Cichowski's previous arrest in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.
Law Enforcement Response and Political Context
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commended his team's handling of the dangerous situation, stating: 'When responding to a situation where a suspect has a weapon and has threatened to kill the victims and law enforcement, it's critical that we do everything we can to safely de-escalate the situation and quickly rescue the victims from immediate danger.'
As of Monday, records indicate that Cichowski remains detained at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Jail without bail. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 5.
Cichowski is one of numerous candidates vying to replace Governor Ron DeSantis in the upcoming election. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 18, though his campaign's future appears uncertain following these serious allegations and criminal charges.
