JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Over the weekend, authorities arrested Officer Stephen Hicks following an incident at a local skate park where he allegedly caused harm to a teenager.

On January 17, Jacksonville Beach police were called to Sunshine Park after receiving complaints about teenagers riding e-bikes in the park, a prohibited activity. During their investigation, a teenager reported being forcibly removed from his e-bike by an adult, who then threw him to the ground, resulting in minor injuries.

The adult in question was identified as Stephen Hicks, who has served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for five years. At the time of the incident, Hicks was off-duty. 

According to a Sunday news release from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, witnesses confirmed the teenager’s account, noting that Hicks fell on top of the teen during the altercation. After the incident, Hicks apparently identified himself to the teens by displaying his badge, but he departed the scene before law enforcement officers arrived.

Hicks later turned himself in to JSO’s integrity unit investigators. He is charged with misdemeanor battery and has been administratively reassigned as the criminal case continues.

This is the 4th arrest of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office employee so far in 2026. Earlier this week, 19-year agency veteran Jose Guerra, 54, was arrested for battery against a woman and witness tampering.