An off-duty Volusia County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was arrested on Monday after he allegedly battered an elderly couple while intoxicated at a New Smyrna Beach bar.
In a media release, VCSO stated that the incident occurred at Merk’s Bar & Grill (193 Causeway N in New Smyrna Beach) at around 4:20 p.m. on Monday, July 6, prompting a response from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.
Witnesses reported that 44-year-old Jason Scott Stickels, who was off duty at the time, instigated the altercation and made “unwanted contact” with a couple seated near the bar.
According to witness statements and video footage of the incident, Stickels allegedly battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table before battering her 77-year-old husband when he attempted to intervene.
A bystander quickly subdued Stickels and took him to the ground, ending the altercation, according to VCSO. Authorities noted that no injuries were reported.
Stickels was arrested by New Smyrna Beach police, booked into Volusia County Jail, and released a little over an hour later after posting a $10,000 bond. He is facing two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older.
Following his arrest, Stickels was immediately placed on administrative leave and surrendered his law enforcement equipment pending final discipline, which the agency noted could include termination.
Stickels began his employment with VCSO in 2004.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood did not mince words when addressing the incident, referring to Stickels as a “soon-to-be former” sergeant with the agency.
“How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes,” said Chitwood in a social media post. “Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon. I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s idiotic behavior today.”
The sheriff also extended an olive branch to the victims and praised the bystander who intervened to stop the physical altercation.
“To the couple involved, please let me buy your next lunch at Merk’s,” added Chitwood. “I would also like to invite the good citizen who stepped in and refused to be a bystander.”