Jason Stickels, a 44-year-old sergeant with the Volusia Sheriff's Office in central Florida, was arrested following an incident at Merk's Bar & Grill on Monday afternoon. Surveillance footage released by authorities depicts Stickels allegedly assaulting a 71-year-old woman and her 77-year-old husband before being subdued by a bystander. The Volusia Sheriff's Office confirmed that Stickels created unwanted contact with the couple, leading to charges of two counts of felony battery against persons aged 65 or older.
Incident Details and Surveillance Footage
According to a charging affidavit from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, which responded to reports of a fight around 4:20 p.m., Stickels first battered the woman seated at a table. The document states that the woman told police Stickels attempted to kiss her before she backed away and stood up. When her husband intervened by confronting Stickels, the sergeant allegedly charged forward and grabbed the man's throat.
Surveillance video from the establishment shows a bystander intervening after the waitress stepped between the men. The footage captures the civilian placing Stickels in a chokehold, taking him to the ground, and subduing him until law enforcement arrived. No injuries were reported by the victims during or immediately following the altercation.
Official Response and Disciplinary Action
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a statement criticizing Stickels' conduct on social media. "How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes," Chitwood wrote, describing the sergeant as stumbling drunk while harassing patrons attempting to enjoy their afternoon. He apologized for what he termed "idiotic behavior" and noted that Stickels has been employed with the office since 2004.
Following the arrest, Sheriff's officials placed Stickels on administrative leave immediately. He was required to surrender his law enforcement equipment pending a final disciplinary hearing, which could result in termination from the force. The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding officer conduct both on and off duty within Florida's law enforcement agencies.
