According to reports from the Jacksonville Beach Police, the episode unfolded on Saturday, January 17, at Sunshine Park. Officers were initially called to the scene due to complaints of teenagers riding e-bikes within the park, a clear violation of park rules. Amidst this situation, a teenager claimed he was forcibly pulled from his e-bike and thrown to the ground by an adult, resulting in minor injuries.

The adult in question was identified as Stephen Hicks, who was off-duty at the time and has served as a police officer with the agency for five years. Witnesses supported the teenager’s account, noting that Hicks had indeed fallen on top of the youth after pulling him down. Furthermore, Hicks reportedly displayed his badge to the teenagers, identifying himself as law enforcement before making his exit from the scene.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed these details, emphasizing the corroboration of the incident by eyewitnesses. Following the event, Hicks voluntarily surrendered himself to the integrity unit investigators of the sheriff’s office. As the case progresses, Hicks has been placed on administrative reassignment, reflecting the seriousness with which the department is handling the allegations against him.

In a news release Sunday, JSO said witnesses corroborated the report, and said Hicks fell on top of the teen after pulling him to the ground. Hicks reportedly identified himself to the teens afterward by showing them his badge, but left before 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.