The Key West Police Department arrested a St. Petersburg man on Sunday after he reportedly started a fight at the Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant, despite sitting right next to KWPD officers.
Kevin Dewayne Kirklew, 37, was charged with battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, damaging property under $200, resisting an officer with violence and disorderly conduct.
According to the report, the man Kirklew started a fight with stated he was walking by with his wife when Kirklew threw food in their direction.
The victim said he asked Kirklew if he threw food at them, and Kirklew replied “I didn’t throw anything at your f—ing wife.” Kirklew then reportedly threw a glass of water on the victim and screamed at him.
He then threw a basket of condiments at the victim, punched him in the face, spit on him and then threw a chair at him.
A separate witness verified that he saw Kirklew punch the victim and throw a chair at them.
Two KWPD officers sitting next to Kirklew stood up and immediately ordered Kirklew to stop. However, Kirklew ignored them and continued to throw punches toward the victim.
According to the report, one of the officers pulled his Taser and manually stunned Kirklew, who then began to fight the officers.
Eventually, the officers were able to apprehend Kirklew and place him in handcuffs, although he continued to scream profanity.
The restaurant stated that the chair was worth $120, and his unpaid bill was $55. The restaurant and the victim agreed to press charges.
Kirklew was transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.