A Florida man was recently arrested after allegedly attacking a couple with a can of bug spray outside a Publix grocery store in Port Charlotte, according to local law enforcement.
The Incident
On August 31, at around 2 p.m., deputies responded to a call about an altercation in the parking lot of the Publix on Cochran Boulevard. Upon arriving at the scene, they found that a male victim had already been taken to Fawcett Main Hospital after being sprayed in the face with what appeared to be bug spray.
Officers observed the victims smelling strongly of bug spray, and spray residue was found on the rear window of their white Honda Civic, as well as on the female victim’s black t-shirt.
The Dispute
The male victim told deputies that the altercation began inside the store when his wife called for him to join her in the checkout line. The suspect, later identified as 65-year-old Daniel John Kenel, allegedly became upset and attempted to cut in front of the woman.
This led to a confrontation between Kenel and the couple, where Kenel allegedly placed his own items on the checkout belt along with theirs.
When the couple continued to check out, Kenel reportedly grew angry. After the couple finished their transaction, the male victim said he chased Kenel, but the suspect fled the scene.
The Attack
Surveillance footage from the Publix confirmed the victim’s account. The video allegedly shows Kenel getting into his white Ford F-150, driving to the other side of the parking lot, and parking in a stall. After waiting for the couple, he allegedly sprayed them in the face with the bug spray before fleeing the scene.
Kenel’s Arrest
Kenel was located and arrested later at a nearby cemetery. However, law enforcement noted that he did not have a can of bug spray in his possession when he was taken into custody. During questioning, Kenel claimed that the male victim had spit in his face during the supermarket confrontation but declined to discuss the incident further.
Kenel was initially detained at the Charlotte County Jail on a $2,000 bond but was later released.
Sheriff’s Statement
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell condemned the actions as “disgusting and cowardly” in a public statement, emphasizing the disproportionate and dangerous nature of the attack. He urged the public to reflect on the consequences of letting minor frustrations escalate to violence.
