Overview
- Sgt. Jason Stickels is accused of making unwanted contact with a 71-year-old woman and then battering her 77-year-old husband at Merk's Bar & Grill, according to surveillance video and witness statements from Monday.
- A bystander subdued Stickels and New Smyrna Beach police arrested him at the scene, and the charging affidavit says the woman told officers he tried to kiss her.
- Stickels was booked on two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older and was released after posting bond, court records show.
- Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood placed Stickels on administrative leave, ordered him to surrender his duty equipment, apologized to the couple, and said the conduct could end the sergeant's career.
- Both a criminal prosecution and an internal Volusia Sheriff's Office investigation are ongoing, and the case could lead to termination or other disciplinary and legal outcomes.