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Sergeant Arrested for Bar Assault
7 Jul
Summary
- Off-duty sergeant arrested on felony battery charges Monday.
- Incident occurred at Merk's Bar & Grill in New Smyrna Beach.
- Sergeant placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
An off-duty Volusia County Sheriff's Office sergeant has been arrested on felony battery charges following an incident at a New Smyrna Beach bar. Sergeant Jason Stickels, 44, was taken into custody by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department on Monday afternoon.
The incident reportedly took place around 4:20 p.m. at Merk's Bar & Grill. Witnesses stated that Stickels, who appeared intoxicated, initiated unwanted physical contact with a couple seated near the bar. Surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate Stickels first assaulted a 71-year-old woman.
When her 77-year-old husband intervened, Stickels then battered him. A witness quickly subdued Stickels and took him to the ground. No injuries were reported during the altercation. Stickels faces two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older.
Stickels, employed by the Sheriff's Office since 2004, was immediately placed on administrative leave. He has surrendered his law enforcement equipment pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, which could result in termination.
