Kevin Cichowski, a 46-year-old Florida gubernatorial candidate, was arrested on April 10 after his elderly parents called 911 alleging he assaulted them and threatened to kill them and law enforcement. Deputies say one parent was hit with a cane and a cellphone was thrown at the other; officers escorted the victims to safety. Bodycam audio captured Cichowski making distressing remarks, and he was placed in protective custody under Florida's Baker Act during transport. He now faces multiple felony charges.
Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested After Alleged Assault on Elderly Parents; Bodycam Captures Disturbing Remarks
Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Kevin Cichowski mugshotCredit: Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Kevin Cichowski, a 46-year-old Florida man who is campaigning for governor, was arrested on April 10 after his elderly parents called 911 alleging he assaulted them and threatened to kill them and law enforcement, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
What Happened
Deputies responded to a Palm Coast residence after a 911 caller — one of the alleged victims — reported that Cichowski had battered two elderly people inside the home. The sheriff’s office said one parent was struck with a cane and a cellphone was thrown at the other. The caller also told dispatchers that Cichowski had a firearm and had threatened to kill the victims and law enforcement if officers were summoned.
Kevin Cichowski Arrested PosterCredit: Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Scene and Bodycam Footage
When deputies arrived, both alleged victims were hiding in a bedroom; officers escorted the elderly residents to safety before taking Cichowski into custody on the back patio. Body-worn camera audio obtained by 12 News captured Cichowski being led in handcuffs past a line of patrol cars and making several troubling remarks, including, "I can't believe this is happening. Just don't let me die," and "Well, I was running for governor."
Aftermath and Custody
During transport to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, deputies said Cichowski made statements indicating suicidal intent and that he was placed into protective custody under Florida's Baker Act. Online jail records show he remains held at the detention facility.
Keven Cichowski seen in bodycam footage during his arrestCredit: Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Charges
- 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
- Two counts of robbery by sudden snatching
The sheriff’s office noted that Cichowski was previously arrested earlier in 2024 on separate allegations, including domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment.
"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," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said, praising deputies, RTCC analysts, and 911 dispatchers for the safe resolution.
It was not immediately clear whether Cichowski has retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The bodycam footage was shared with local media; additional details were reported by People and 12 News.
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