Today is the 13th of April, 2026, and the political landscape in Florida is taking a troubling turn. Kevin Cichowski, a 46-year-old gubernatorial candidate, was arrested in Flagler County on Friday, facing serious allegations of violence against elderly relatives. This incident has raised eyebrows and questions about the candidate’s fitness for office.
Cichowski is accused of assaulting two elderly relatives in a shocking incident that reportedly involved threats to kill both the victims and law enforcement. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the situation unfolded when deputies responded to a call on Cleveland Court regarding domestic violence. Upon arrival, they found two victims hiding in a bedroom; one was bedridden and unable to leave the home. The 911 caller, who was also a victim, had reported threats to kill them and law enforcement if they were contacted.
Details of the Incident
Allegations against Cichowski are severe. He is said to have struck one victim with a cane and thrown a cellphone at another while allegedly armed with a gun. After safely evacuating the victims from the home, deputies ordered Cichowski to surrender and took him into custody without incident. He faces multiple charges, including 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.
Body cam footage recorded during the incident reveals Cichowski claiming that his father was trying to kill him and asserting that he had done nothing wrong. Following his arrest, he made suicidal statements while being transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and was subsequently placed into protective custody under the Baker Act for mental health evaluation.
Previous Legal Troubles
This isn’t Cichowski’s first encounter with law enforcement. He was previously arrested in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment. The latest incident has prompted the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to continue their investigation, and a mental health evaluation under the Baker Act will be conducted as part of the ongoing proceedings.
The implications of this arrest on Cichowski’s gubernatorial campaign are yet to be seen, but the gravity of the charges raises concerns about his candidacy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by public figures in the political arena.
For more information, you can read the full details of the case at CBS 12 and National Today.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of domestic violence and the importance of mental health support in such situations. As the story unfolds, it remains crucial for the community to stay informed and engaged.