A Democrat aspiring to become Florida’s governor is facing serious allegations after reportedly assaulting two elderly individuals during a domestic dispute. These individuals are thought to be his parents, and he bizarrely accused them of being “on fentanyl” and trying to harm him during a chaotic arrest.
Kevin Cichowski, 46, allegedly struck one victim with a cane and threw a cell phone at the other in a riverside home in Palm County, Florida, on a Friday. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office stated that the relationship between Cichowski and the alleged victims has yet to be established, but confirmed that it was a domestic incident. During the arrest, he made a series of nonsensical accusations against his parents, as captured in body camera footage.
The footage shows an officer leading a confused Cichowski away from the house, where a dozen emergency vehicles were present. He questioned, “You sent all your troops here, right?”
Before police arrived, one of the elderly individuals had contacted 911, warning that Cichowski had threatened to kill him and any law enforcement who might step in, according to the sheriff’s office.
As he ambled away from the scene, Cichowski went on about his parents, claiming that “my mom is on fentanyl” and that they “have mental issues,” as noted in the footage.
Despite the chaos, the officer attempted to reassure Cichowski, saying he would investigate the circumstances.
“I can’t believe this is happening… just don’t let me die,” Cichowski said at one point, expressing unexpected anxiety. The officer responded, promising he would be “okay.”
Cichowski continued his narrative, alleging that “my father already tried to kill me” and insisting he had “done nothing wrong.” He seemed momentarily lost for words, asking why his father wasn’t present and repeating his confusion over his situation.
He was charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as witness tampering and robbery by sudden snatching.
Cichowski is currently being held in protective custody under Florida’s Baker Act, which enables authorities to involuntarily detain individuals undergoing a mental health crisis if they appear to be a threat to themselves or others.
Notably, Cichowski had previously faced criminal charges in 2024, including domestic assault, but was acquitted.
He declared his candidacy for Florida governor on March 24, just five months ahead of the primary election. Before this, he had an unsuccessful run for mayor of Palm Coast in 2021.
Interestingly, Cichowski stated that after his earlier arrest, he might have “switched” from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party, suggesting he was seeking “a little revenge.”
