Off-Duty Volusia Sheriff's Sergeant Arrested for Battery

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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An off-duty Volusia County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was arrested Monday on felony battery charges after an incident at a New Smyrna Beach bar, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

Jason Stickels, 44, was arrested by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department after officers responded to a report of a fight at Merk’s Bar & Grill around 4:20 p.m.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, witnesses reported Stickels, who was intoxicated, instigated and created unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar. Witnesses and video footage showed Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table before battering her 77-year-old husband when he intervened.

The Sheriff’s Office said Stickels was quickly subdued by a witness and taken to the ground. No injuries were reported.

Stickels is charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood addressed the arrest in a social media post, apologizing for the sergeant’s actions.

“How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon,” Chitwood wrote. “I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s idiotic behavior today.”

Chitwood also said Stickels “is locked up tonight,” offered to buy lunch for the couple involved at Merk’s Bar & Grill, and thanked the witness who intervened, writing, “Nice takedown.”

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