Kevin Cichowski, 46, who is running for Florida governor, was arrested in Palm Coast on charges stemming from a domestic altercation involving two older people, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said. The charges include multiple counts of aggravated battery, as well as allegations including tampering with a witness and robbery, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies responded to a call on Friday morning in Palm Coast after receiving a report that a man battered two people inside a home, the sheriff’s office said. The office said the report alleged Cichowski hit one victim with a cane and threw a cellphone at the other, and that one of the two victims was bedridden.
The sheriff’s office said one of the victims called 911 and claimed Cichowski threatened to kill them. The office added that the victim also said Cichowski told them he would kill law enforcement if police were called, according to the sheriff’s office.
When deputies arrived, the sheriff’s office said they evacuated the two people. The office did not specify the victims’ ages beyond saying they are older than 65.
Body camera footage shared with The Associated Press captured Cichowski speaking during the arrest process. In the footage, Cichowski said, “I haven’t done anything wrong,” and added, “This is insane,” as officers escorted him to a patrol vehicle.
The sheriff’s office said Cichowski was taken into protective custody after making suicidal statements. The office also said it was not immediately clear whether Cichowski had legal representation as of Sunday.
Cichowski is listed as a Democratic candidate for governor with the Florida Division of Elections, and he previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021, according to the Associated Press. The Florida governor primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, and the race to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis includes dozens of candidates.