Florida has never been short of bizarre incidents. This time, however, the alleged weapon was not a knife or a gun, but a single packet of ketchup. What began as a moment of kindness quickly turned into a criminal case that could cost one man several years of freedom.
A Good Deed Takes an Unexpected Turn
The incident occurred late last Monday evening at a bus stop in St. Petersburg, Florida. A passerby noticed a man lying motionless nearby and assumed he might have lost consciousness. Concerned for his safety, the passerby approached to check on him.
Instead of gratitude, the situation escalated instantly. The man suddenly woke up in a rage and hurled an opened packet of ketchup at the passerby. The sauce splattered across the victim’s jacket and spilled onto the ground, leaving behind more shock than physical harm. 
Police Arrest and a Troubling Background
Police officers arrived shortly after and arrested the suspect at the scene. Investigators later identified him as Austin Simmons, a homeless man living in the area. Simmons denied committing an attack, insisting that he was merely trying to hand the ketchup to the passerby.
Authorities were not persuaded by his explanation. Under normal circumstances, throwing food at someone would likely be treated as a minor offense. This case, however, took a serious turn due to Simmons’ criminal history.
From Minor Incident to Felony Charge
According to Florida law, Simmons’ prior assault conviction in 2019 triggered a harsher legal response. His new charge was upgraded to a third degree felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. Officers also reported discovering cocaine on his person, adding another charge to the case.
What seemed like a harmless food prank suddenly became a life changing legal disaster.
Online Reactions Swing Between Humor and Disbelief
News of the ketchup incident quickly spread online, leaving many readers stunned. Some mocked the absurdity of the so called weapon, joking that Simmons appeared to be completing a condiment collection.
Others felt the punishment did not fit the crime. Several commenters argued that this might be the first time in history someone faced a felony charge over what resembled a food fight.
Florida’s Long History of Food Related Violence
Strange food based assaults are nothing new in Florida. Years earlier in Port St. Lucie, a customer named Erik Brown witnessed a teenage boy arguing with family members inside a restaurant. Believing he was intervening, Brown asked for a burrito and slammed it directly into the boy’s face.
The attack caused no injuries, but the humiliation was severe. The boy was covered in sauce and fillings, while Brown was later charged with misdemeanor battery.
Fried Chicken and Family Conflict
In 2024, another unusual case unfolded in Clearwater, Florida. A 20 year old man named Khanye Medley became upset after skipping a meal and refusing the fried chicken offered by his sister. Their argument escalated until he threw the chicken at her back.
Police arrested Medley, but he was released shortly afterward, facing far lighter consequences than the ketchup case.
Pasta as a Weapon on the Road
That same year, a driver named Nolan Goins reacted aggressively to bright headlights from another vehicle. Overcome with anger, he flung a plate of sauce covered pasta through the open window of the other car. The pasta struck the driver but caused no injuries, leaving only stained clothes and disbelief.
Goins was charged with battery and released after posting bail.
When a Food Fight Turns Violent
One of the most disturbing food related cases occurred in 2016 in Crestview, Florida. A married couple became embroiled in a domestic dispute fueled by alcohol and long standing abuse. During the argument, the wife threw a leftover burrito at her husband’s head.
The situation escalated violently when the husband stabbed her hand with a fork before leaving the house. Police later discovered food debris scattered across the room and arrested both individuals on felony charges.
A Harsh Winter Ahead
Compared with these cases, many observers believe Simmons’ situation feels deeply unfair. His act caused minimal harm and involved nothing more than a packet of ketchup. Yet the legal consequences he faces are far more severe than those imposed in incidents involving greater violence.
As winter approaches, it appears that Simmons may spend it behind bars, all because a simple act of kindness turned into a moment of rage and a splash of red sauce.
