‘Soon-To-Be-Former’ Deputy Accused Of Drunkenly Battering Elderly Couple At Florida Bar

A Florida sheriff is apologizing for the behavior of a “soon-to-be-former” sergeant accused of drunkenly battering an elderly couple at a local restaurant while off duty.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said off-duty sergeant Jason Stickles, 44, was arrested Monday after New Smyrna Beach Police officers responded to a report of a fight at Merk’s Bar & Grill at around 4:20 p.m.

Witnesses reported Stickles was intoxicated and making unwanted contact with a 71-year-old woman, then physically assaulted her 77-year-old husband when he intervened. A bystander “quickly subdued” Stickles and held him until law enforcement arrived.

Surveillance video shared by Chitwood shows the elderly couple seated at a table with Stickles behind them, leaning in close between their faces. Stickles repeatedly pats the woman’s arm while speaking to her, then leans in very close to her face, appearing to kiss her cheek or perhaps whisper in her ear.

The woman reacts by jerking away from Stickles and getting up from the table. Her husband stands up to intervene and gets between Stickles and his wife. Stickles can be seen striking the man before a bystander places him in a chokehold.

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

Stickles was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 or older, and was immediately placed on administrative leave. He has been employed by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office since 2004.

“To the couple involved, please let me buy your next lunch at Merk’s,” Chitwood said. “I would also like to invite the good citizen who stepped in and refused to be a bystander. Nice takedown.”