On July 9, 2025, a bizarre and heated confrontation unfolded on the streets of Key West, Florida, resulting in the arrest of 38-year-old Cynthia Diaz Sosa. The incident began when Sosa stopped her vehicle at an intersection on Petronia Street to allow a chicken to cross the road, a common sight in Key West where free-roaming chickens are part of the local culture. According to police reports, another driver, identified as Perla Vidaure DeMiller, grew impatient, honked her horn, and sped past Sosa’s vehicle, tragically striking and killing the chicken.
Enraged by the incident, Sosa pursued DeMiller in her black Toyota Corolla to the intersection of Emma and Olivia Streets. There, she allegedly blocked the road in front of DeMiller’s vehicle, exited her car, and attempted to open the passenger door of DeMiller’s car. A struggle ensued as Sosa and DeMiller fought over the door. In an attempt to “teach her a lesson” for the chicken’s death, Sosa pulled out a canister of bear mace—a powerful chemical deterrent designed for use against large animals—and sprayed it into the vehicle, striking DeMiller and a passenger directly in the face. The spray caused temporary blindness and significant discomfort, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.
Key West Police Department officers arrived swiftly at the scene, where the Key West Fire Department treated DeMiller and her passenger for the effects of the bear mace. Witnesses corroborated the victims’ account, reporting that a woman exited a dark-colored sedan, sprayed the occupants of another vehicle, and fled south down Emma Street. Sosa’s vehicle was later identified and pulled over by police, leading to her arrest. She admitted to authorities that her actions were motivated by anger over the chicken’s death and her intent to confront DeMiller.
Sosa now faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated battery and one count of burglary with assault or battery, reflecting the severity of using bear mace on individuals in a non-self-defense situation. Under Florida law, the misuse of bear mace, which can cause intense pain and respiratory distress, is considered a serious offense, potentially leading to felony convictions. Sosa was booked into the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and is scheduled for arraignment on July 24, 2025, where she is expected to enter a plea.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion online, with some expressing sympathy for Sosa’s reaction to perceived animal cruelty, while others condemn her extreme response. Legal analysts note that the case will likely depend on witness statements, potential video evidence, and the interpretation of Sosa’s intent. This unusual case underscores the dangers of road rage and the legal consequences of letting emotions escalate into violence, serving as a reminder to maintain composure in emotionally charged situations.