An off-duty sergeant with the Volusia Sheriff's Office in Florida has been arrested and charged with felony battery on a person 65 or older after allegedly assaulting an elderly couple at a bar. Jason Stickels, 44, was taken into custody Monday following the incident at Merk's Bar & Grill.
According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Stickels engaged in "unwanted contact" with a 71-year-old woman seated at a table. Surveillance video from the bar shows Stickels leaning close to the woman, who then moves away and stands up. The woman later told police that Stickels had attempted to kiss her.
When the woman's 77-year-old husband intervened, Stickels allegedly charged at him, grabbing his throat. The altercation was captured on surveillance footage, which also shows a bystander placing Stickels in a chokehold and taking him to the ground.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a statement criticizing Stickels' actions, calling them "idiotic behavior" and apologizing to the couple. "How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes," Chitwood said on social media. "Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon."
Responding officers from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department arrested Stickels at the scene. He reportedly identified himself to the officer by showing his badge. He faces two counts of felony battery on a person 65 or older. Stickels, who has been with the sheriff's office since 2004, was immediately placed on administrative leave and ordered to surrender his law enforcement equipment pending disciplinary action, which could result in termination. He has since been released from jail after posting bond.
