Kevin Cichowski, a Florida man who filed to run for governor as a Democratic candidate, was arrested on April 10 in Palm Coast, Florida, following allegations of assaulting two elderly individuals during a domestic disturbance. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a residence after a 911 call detailed a violent confrontation involving a weapon.
Authorities stated that the caller, identified as one of the alleged victims, claimed 46-year-old Cichowski struck two elderly people inside the home. Specific allegations include hitting one victim with a cane, throwing a cellphone at another, and making life threats. Investigators noted that the victims informed dispatchers they were unable to leave the residence, with one reportedly being bedridden at the time of the incident. Deputies located both individuals inside a bedroom and escorted them out through a lanai for their safety.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered Cichowski at the scene. Body camera footage, obtained by several media outlets, shows deputies arriving with weapons drawn and ordering Cichowski to surrender. He complied with the commands and was taken into custody at the residence. In the recording, Cichowski can be heard denying wrongdoing as he was escorted from the scene.
Cichowski is now facing several felony charges. These include two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a person over 65, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, tampering with a witness, and two counts of robbery by sudden snatching. During his transport to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, authorities reported that Cichowski made suicidal statements. This led to him being placed under protective custody in accordance with Florida’s Baker Act, which permits temporary detention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Officials underscored the urgency of the response, citing the condition of the victims who required immediate assistance. Sheriff Rick Staly commended the coordinated efforts of deputies, dispatchers, and real-time crime center analysts for their rapid response, which he stated was crucial in ensuring the victims' safety.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that Cichowski has a prior arrest history from 2024, which included charges of domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment. State election records, referenced by multiple outlets, indicate that Cichowski filed paperwork to run for governor of Florida as a Democratic candidate shortly before his most recent arrest. He had previously run for mayor of Palm Coast in 2021.
On his campaign website, Cichowski describes himself as a former Republican who experienced disillusionment following his 2024 arrest. He states that he subsequently “switched sides,” attributing this change to what he characterized as unfair treatment by both the Republican party and the court system. His campaign platform, as described online, focuses on defending individual rights and challenging the current judicial system.
As of the latest reports, officials have not announced additional charges or a specific court date for Cichowski. Jail records indicate he remains in custody as the legal proceedings for the case are underway. The investigation into the alleged assault continues.
