The violent encounter occurred on the morning of November 14 on Interstate 75 near Estero, in Lee County, Florida.
Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Dean Bardes, a highly experienced officer, was assisting Florida Highway Patrol troopers at the scene of a traffic crash when an unrelated vehicle sped past at a high rate of speed along the highway shoulder.
Deputy Bardes attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, a grey Toyota Camry driven by 53‑year‑old Edward Strother.
Instead of complying, Strother allegedly continued driving erratically and at a high speed, nearly striking the officer and prompting Bardes to pursue him briefly before Strother ultimately stopped on an off‑ramp.
According to official accounts, as Bardes exited his patrol cruiser to take Strother into custody, Strother suddenly attacked him, knocking him to the ground.
At that point, Strother allegedly began pummeling the deputy repeatedly and attempting to gain control of Bardes’ service weapon.
Bardes, now on his back and fighting for his life, reportedly cried out for help as Strother continued the assault — a desperate situation captured in later‑released cellphone videos.
Enter the Good Samaritan: Ashad Russell
At the scene at that moment was 35‑year‑old Ashad Russell, a Florida resident and legal holder of a concealed carry firearm license.
Upon witnessing the violent attack unfold, and realizing that the deputy was in imminent danger, Russell made the split‑second decision to intervene.
Russell stepped out of his vehicle and approached the chaotic scene, weapon in hand.
Deputy Bardes, pinned to the ground and struggling to protect himself, allegedly called out to Russell and asked him to shoot Strother in order to stop the attack.
With Strother still on top of Bardes, continuing to punch and potentially reach for the officer’s firearm, Russell fired his weapon three times at Strother.
The Shooting
The three shots Russell fired struck Strother in the neck and upper torso. The final bullet was reportedly the fatal shot that ended Strother’s life.
Strother was immediately incapacitated and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
After discharging his firearm, Russell — who later described himself as being in shock — dropped his weapon to the ground and retreated to his vehicle, where he remained until other law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene.
Deputy Bardes sustained only minor injuries during the attack and was treated and later released from the hospital.
Legal Review and Determination
Their investigation focused on whether Russell’s actions constituted a criminal offense or whether they were legally justified.
Under Florida law, a person is permitted to use deadly force to protect another individual if they reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
This legal standard applies not only to self‑defense but also to the defense of third parties, including law enforcement officers under attack.
On March 15, the State Attorney’s Office announced that no criminal charges would be filed against Russell.
Prosecutors concluded that his decision to fire his weapon was justified, as he reasonably believed that Deputy Bardes was in imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury at the hands of Strother.
The statement explained that Russell’s use of deadly force was lawful and that, under the circumstances, his actions were necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony against the deputy.
No further action would be taken by the prosecutor’s office.
