Off-duty VSO sergeant arrested on battery charges in bar altercation

Date Added: July 06, 2026 8:46 pm

An off-duty Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been arrested on felony battery charges for his actions while intoxicated this afternoon at a New Smyrna Beach bar.

Jason Stickels, 44, was arrested by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department on Monday after officers responded to a report of a fight at Merk’s Bar & Grill around 4:20 p.m.

Witnesses reported Stickels instigated and created unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar. 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.

Stickels has been charged with 2 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 has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2004.