A Volusia County Sheriff's Office sergeant has been arrested and placed on administrative leave following an alleged assault on an elderly couple at a New Smyrna Beach bar.
Jason Stickels, 44, faces two felony battery charges for allegedly attacking a 71-year-old woman and her 77-year-old husband at Merk’s Bar & Grill on Monday. According to a charging affidavit, Stickels, who was off-duty and intoxicated, leaned in to kiss the woman. When her husband intervened by pushing Stickels away, the sergeant allegedly grabbed the husband by the throat.
Surveillance footage from the bar appears to show the incident. Onlookers intervened and restrained Stickels until local police arrived.
Upon police arrival, Stickels was reportedly too intoxicated to provide a clear account of the events, stating, "you know what’s up, man," and identifying himself as being "with the county." He displayed his badge to the officers.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood condemned Stickels' actions in a Facebook post, calling it "idiotic behavior." "Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon," Chitwood stated. "I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s idiotic behavior today. He is locked up tonight."
Stickels has been with the sheriff’s office since 2004. He has surrendered his badge and gun pending the outcome of the disciplinary action.