Kevin Cichowski, Florida Governor Candidate, Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Elderly Relatives and Threatening Police in Palm Coast

A Florida gubernatorial candidate is facing multiple serious charges after authorities say he assaulted elderly family members and threatened to kill both them and responding deputies during a volatile incident at his Palm Coast home.

Kevin Cichowski, 46, who has announced a run for Florida governor, was arrested on Friday, April 10, following a domestic disturbance call, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Allegations of Violence Against Elderly Victims

Deputies responded to the residence after receiving a 911 call reporting that Cichowski had allegedly attacked two elderly relatives. One victim told dispatchers that Cichowski struck them with a cane and threw a cellphone at another.

The caller also reported that Cichowski was armed and had made repeated threats to kill the victims, as well as law enforcement if they were called to the scene.

When deputies arrived, they found the two elderly individuals hiding inside a bedroom, unable to leave the home due to one being bedridden. Officers safely escorted both victims out of the residence before taking Cichowski into custody without further incident.

Threats, Arrest, and Mental Health Hold

Authorities say Cichowski was detained on the back patio of the home. During his arrest, body camera footage reportedly captured him making a series of statements, including expressing disbelief over the situation and referencing his political campaign.

While being transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, Cichowski allegedly made statements indicating he wanted to harm himself. As a result, he was placed into protective custody under Florida’s Baker Act for mental health evaluation.

Charges Filed Against Cichowski

Cichowski now faces multiple charges, including:

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (2 counts)
• Battery on a person over 65 (2 counts)
• Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
• Tampering with a witness
• Robbery by sudden snatching (2 counts)

Authorities have not indicated whether a firearm was recovered at the scene, but earlier reports stated he allegedly brandished a weapon during the incident.

Prior Arrest and Political Background

According to officials, Cichowski was previously arrested in 2024 on allegations including domestic battery, battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.

In addition to his current gubernatorial campaign, he previously ran for mayor of Palm Coast in 2021.

Sheriff Praises Deputies for Safe Response

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commended deputies for safely resolving the situation and protecting the victims.

“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,” Staly said. “I commend our deputies and dispatchers for working together for a safe resolution.”

Investigation Ongoing

Cichowski remains in custody at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, according to jail records. It is unclear whether he has retained legal representation.

The case remains under investigation as more details emerge about the incident.