September 2, 2025 – Port Charlotte, FL
A Port Charlotte man was arrested after assaulting a couple outside of Publix, spraying them in the face with bug spray.
At approximately 2pm on Sunday, August 31, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Publix located on Cochran Blvd. after receiving a call regarding a physical altercation. The incident began inside the store when the suspect, identified as Daniel John Kenel (5/26/1960), became upset at the couple while in the checkout line. The investigation found that the female victim was in line, waiting for her husband, when Kenel approached and tried to get in front of her. She informed Kenel that she was in line, which upset him.
As the victims began placing their items on the checkout belt, Kenel began to do as well, furthering the argument. When the husband stepped between his wife and Kenel and told him to back off, Kenel then left his cart and items and ran out of the store. Once outside, Kenel moved his vehicle to the other side of the parking lot and clearly positioned himself to commit the attack. As the couple exited the store and began loading their groceries, Kenel ran up behind them and sprayed them both in the face with a can of bug spray before running away and leaving the scene. The male victim required medical treatment at a local hospital.
“This is a disgusting and cowardly act, and over what? Who checks out first at the grocery store? The level that this man took it to was dangerous and completely unnecessary. Please – when frustrations inevitably occur in life, take a moment to ask yourself ‘Is this worth it?’. More often than not, you will find the answer is no.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
Shortly after, deputies located Kenel nearby, where he was positively identified by the victims. Kenel refused to discuss the incident with deputies and was placed under arrest on two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail without incident, held on $2,000 bond, and has since bonded out.
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