By: J.J. Pavlick | Palm Coast, FL | April 10, 2026 |
A Florida gubernatorial candidate was arrested Friday after deputies say he battered two elderly victims during a domestic disturbance, threatened to kill them, and warned he would shoot responding law enforcement. The arrest comes less than three weeks after the candidate officially filed to run for governor.
Kevin Cichowski, 46, of Palm Coast, was taken into custody without incident after Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on Cleveland Court in the C‑Section of Palm Coast on the morning of April 10, according to an agency news release.
What Deputies Say Happened
The Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that a man had battered two elderly victims inside the home—striking one with a cane and throwing a cellphone at the other—and allegedly had a gun, the sheriff’s office said.
One of the victims also reported that Cichowski threatened to kill them multiple times and said he would kill law enforcement if they were called.
When deputies arrived, they found the two victims hiding in a bedroom. Deputies said the victims reported they could not leave the home because one of them was bedridden. Deputies escorted both victims out through the home’s lanai.
After the victims were evacuated, deputies made contact with Cichowski and ordered him to surrender. He complied and was taken into custody.
Charges and Baker Act Hold
Cichowski was booked on the following charges:
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (threatening someone with a weapon while having the ability to carry out the threat)
- Two counts of battery on a person over 65
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (causing bodily harm with a weapon)
- Tampering with a witness
- Two counts of robbery by sudden snatching (taking property directly from a victim without force)
While being transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, Cichowski made suicidal statements and was placed into protective custody under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for involuntary detention when authorities believe someone may pose a danger to themselves or others.
Response and Investigation Details
The sheriff’s office said deputies were assisted by an agency drone and the Real Time Crime Center, which provided tactical intelligence using live camera feeds from the drone and deputies’ body-worn cameras.
“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.”
Sheriff Rick Staly said in the release
The sheriff’s office did not identify the relationship between Cichowski and the victims—a common practice in active domestic‑violence investigations to protect victim privacy and avoid compromising the case.
Prior Arrest and Campaign Filing
Cichowski was previously arrested in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
State records show he filed to run for governor of Florida on March 24. He previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021.
What We’re Watching
Cichowski’s first court appearance and any bond conditions are expected to clarify what prosecutors allege occurred inside the home and whether additional charges could follow.
Bad Dawg Media will continue to follow the case and update as court records and verified details become available.
No‑Nonsense Note from the Press Box
When a political campaign intersects with a domestic violence call involving elderly victims, the only responsible path is verified facts, clear reporting, and accountability. That’s the job. We’ll keep doing it.
For coverage that cuts through the noise and stays locked on the facts—not the spin—stay with Bad Dawg Media, where we don’t just report the story.
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