NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood publicly criticized one of his own supervisors on Monday after the sergeant was arrested on felony battery charges stemming from an incident involving an elderly couple at a New Smyrna Beach bar.

In a social media post following the arrest, Chitwood described the alleged behavior as a career-ending mistake.

“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,” Chitwood wrote.

I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s idiotic behavior today. He is locked up tonight.”

According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Jason Stickels, 44, was arrested Monday after an altercation at Merk’s Bar & Grill in New Smyrna Beach. Witnesses reported that Stickels, who was off duty and intoxicated, initiated unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar.

Surveillance video and witness statements showed Stickels battered a 71-year-old woman before battering her 77-year-old husband when he attempted to intervene, authorities said.

A bystander quickly stepped in and took Stickels to the ground until officers arrived, according to the sheriff’s office. No injuries were reported.

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Stickels was arrested by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department and charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. The incident was reported around 4:20 p.m. Monday.

Chitwood also apologized to the couple involved and thanked the citizen who intervened during the confrontation.

To the couple involved, please let me buy your next lunch at Merk’s.”

“I would also like to invite the good citizen who stepped in and refused to be a bystander. Nice takedown,” Chitwood wrote.

The sheriff’s office said Stickels was immediately placed on administrative leave and ordered to surrender his law enforcement equipment pending disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Stickels has been employed by the agency since 2004.

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The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.