NEW SYMRNA BEACH, Fla. – A Volusia County sheriff’s sergeant is facing felony charges after video from a New Smyrna Beach bar captured him in an intoxicated altercation with a senior couple while off-duty, the sheriff’s office said.
New Smyrna Beach police responded about 4:30 p.m. Monday at Merk’s Bar & Grill.
According to a news release, Jason Stickels,44, instigated the confrontation, making unwanted contact with the couple seated near the bar. According to witnesses and video footage, Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman at a table, then battered her 77-year-old husband when he stepped in to intervene. A bystander quickly subdued Stickels, taking him to the ground.
No injuries were reported.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted on social media calling Stickels’ conduct “idiotic behavior.”
“I have a 77-year-old Vietnam Veteran in a bar with his wife and what you see in that video is thoroughly disgusting; it’s sickening, and doesn’t represent what this organization stands for,” Chitwood told News 6 Tuesday.
Stickels, who has been with the sheriff’s office since 2004, was charged on two counts of felony battery on a person 65 or older, officials said.
He was released after posting bond. Chitwood says Stickles has resigned and admitted himself to a rehabilitation center.
“Everyone wants to see him grounded into dust. You have to take into account that I hire from the human race; we’re all human, he made a horrible mistake, his career is over, and he’s embarrassed publicly,” said Chitwood.
Authorities said anyone with information or additional footage should contact New Smyrna Beach police at the department’s nonemergency line.