BUNNELL, Fla. — Authorities in Flagler County reported the arrest of Kevin Cichowski, a 46-year-old resident of Palm Coast and current gubernatorial candidate, following a troubling incident at a residence on Cleveland Court.

Events unfolded on Friday, April 10, when deputies responded to a distress call concerning Cichowski’s alleged assault on two elderly individuals. Reports indicate that Cichowski threw a cellphone at one victim and struck another with a cane.

Adding to the severity of the allegations, Cichowski was reportedly in possession of a firearm and made repeated threats to kill the victims and any law enforcement officers who might intervene.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies discovered the victims taking refuge in a bedroom. Once the victims were safely evacuated, officers established contact with Cichowski, who was subsequently taken into custody without any further complications.

He is said to have been taken into police custody “without incident.”

Cichowski was charged with 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. 

“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,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.

Before running for governor, Cichowski previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021. 

In 2024, Cichowski was arrested for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment.