A Key West woman faces multiple felony charges after a chicken crossing the road spiraled into a violent bear mace attack on fellow drivers.

At a Glance

• Incident occurred July 9 in Key West, Florida.
• Woman stopped to allow a chicken to cross the street.
• Another driver fatally struck the bird, sparking outrage.
• The suspect allegedly pursued and sprayed victims with bear mace.
• She was arrested on charges including aggravated battery.

From Chicken Crossing to Criminal Charges

What began as a familiar island scene—chickens freely crossing Key West streets—took a criminal turn when 38-year-old Cynthia Diaz Sosa paused her Toyota Corolla to let a chicken pass. Frustrated behind her, driver Perla DeMiller honked, maneuvered around, and accidentally ran over the bird. Witnesses say Sosa was enraged by the incident, leading to a surreal and dangerous confrontation.

Sosa allegedly followed DeMiller, cut her off, and attempted to forcibly open the victim’s car door. She then reportedly unleashed bear mace inside the vehicle, affecting both DeMiller and her passenger. Emergency responders treated the victims for eye irritation and breathing difficulties at the scene.

Watch a report: “Florida Road Rage Ends in BEAR SPRAY Over a Chicken?!?” — YouTube

Legal Repercussions and Local Reactions

Authorities charged Sosa with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of burglary with assault, citing her aggressive attempt to enter another person’s car. She posted a $35,000 bond and awaits a July 24 court date.

Key West locals, accustomed to free-roaming poultry, expressed shock at the escalation from minor road obstruction to felony assault. The use of bear mace—a powerful irritant designed for wildlife defense—added a particularly unsettling element to the confrontation. Legal experts highlight the severity of the burglary with assault charge, which could carry significant prison time if convicted.

This bizarre episode underscores how minor road incidents, especially in unique locales like Key West, can combust into extraordinary criminal cases when tempers ignite.