Daniel John Kenel, 65, was arrested for allegedly attacking a couple outside a Publix grocery store in Port Charlotte, Florida, using a can of bug spray as a weapon. Kenel is facing two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
The Incident
On August 31, at around 2 p.m., deputies responded to a call about a confrontation outside the Publix store on Cochran Boulevard. Upon arrival, they found that the male victim had already been taken to Fawcett Main Hospital after being sprayed in the face with what appeared to be bug spray. Deputies noted that the victims “smelled of bug spray,” and there was visible residue on their car and the female victim’s shirt.
Dispute at the Checkout Line
According to the male victim’s account, the altercation began inside the store when his wife called him to join her in the checkout line she was in. Kenel, who was allegedly upset about the couple’s actions, tried to get in front of the wife. This led to a confrontation between Kenel and the wife, with the husband stepping in to separate them. Kenel then allegedly left the store, but the dispute escalated once the couple reached their vehicle.
The Attack
As the couple was loading their groceries into their car, Kenel reportedly returned, approached them from behind, and sprayed them both in the face with bug spray. The male victim tried to chase Kenel, but he fled the scene. The couple called 911 after the attack.
Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage from the Publix confirmed the victims’ account. The video allegedly showed Kenel getting into his white Ford F-150, parking on the other side of the lot, and waiting for the couple. After spraying them, he reportedly fled the scene.
Arrest and Interview
Kenel was later located and arrested at a nearby cemetery. Although he was not found with bug spray in his possession, he was taken into custody and charged. During an interview, Kenel claimed the male victim had spat in his face during the altercation inside the store, but he refused to discuss the parking lot incident.
Bail and Sheriff’s Statement
Kenel was briefly detained in the Charlotte County Jail on a $2,000 bond and has since been released. Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell condemned the attack, calling it “a disgusting and cowardly act.” He also reminded the public to manage frustrations in a more thoughtful way, asking, “Is this worth it?” before taking extreme actions.
