An off-duty Florida deputy was arrested after allegedly assaulting an elderly couple at a bar before he was taken down by another patron.
Surveillance footage released by Volusia Sheriff's Office on Tuesday (7 July) shows one of their officers, Jason Stickels, 44, approaching a couple at Merk's Bar & Grill, New Smyrna Beach, on Monday (6 July) afternoon.
The deputy then appears to lean towards the 71-year-old woman, who promptly got up out of her chair. She later told police that Stickels tried to kiss her.
The woman’s husband then confronted Stickels, who then appeared to lunge at the 77-year-old man. Another patron who had been watching events unfold then put Stickels in a chokehold and subdued him.
Sharing the footage, the force said: “How to throw away your law enforcement career in two minutes.”
Stickels was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. He was also placed on administrative leave.
