A Florida man who fatally shot an attacker assaulting a sheriff’s deputy will not face criminal charges. The State Attorney’s Office cleared Ashad Russell of any wrongdoing, according to the Daily Mail. Russell, 35, intervened when he saw Edward Strother attacking Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Dean Bardes on Interstate 75.
Strother had been pulled over for speeding but allegedly turned violent, pinning Bardes to the ground and repeatedly striking him. Russell, a concealed weapons permit holder, approached with his firearm. Bardes, seeing Russell’s gun, reportedly urged him to shoot. After warning Strother multiple times, Russell fired three shots, killing him.
Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott praised Russell’s actions, and authorities determined his use of force was justified.
Their review concluded Russell acted to prevent imminent harm to Bardes. However, Edward Strother’s brother questioned the narrative, telling The Washington Post, “They are calling him a good Samaritan? Was my brother armed?”
