An off-duty member of law enforcement was arrested for a bar altercation in Central Florida.
The off-duty Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant was arrested on felony battery charges for his actions while intoxicated at a New Smyrna Beach bar in Central Florida.
44-year-old Jason Stickels was arrested by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department after officers responded to a report of a fight at Merk’s Bar & Grill around 4:20pm in the afternoon. Witnesses reported Stickels instigated and created unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar, according to law enforcement.
According to witnesses and video footage of the incident, Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table, then battered her 77-year-old husband when he intervened. Stickels was quickly subdued by a witness and taken to the ground. There were no injuries reported according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Stickels was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. He was immediately placed on administrative leave and surrendered his law enforcement equipment pending final discipline up to and including termination. He was employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2004.
“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. I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s idiotic behavior,” Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted after the bar altercation.
The post Off-Duty Law Enforcement Arrested for Bar Altercation in Central Florida appeared first on West Orlando News.
Source: West Orlando News
Published: 2026-08-23 15:39:00