Bystander who shot man attacking officer learns his fate
At the time of the attack on the officer, 35-year-old Ashad Russell, a Florida resident and licensed concealed-carry holder, found himself at the scene and intervened without hesitating.
Russell got out of his vehicle and came toward with a gun, telling Strother twice to stop, according to witnesses and authorities. Strother did not comply and Bardes, who was still pinned to the ground, called out to Russell and pleaded with him to shoot his attacker. Three shots rang out from Russell’s gun as the attack raged on.
Strother was shot in the neck and upper torso, and allegedly, it was the third shot that ended his life. He was pronounced dead at the hospital where he was taken following the incident.
After discharging his weapon, Russell,who told authorities he was in a complete shock after the shooting, dropped his firearm and returned to his vehicle where he stayed until other officers arrived at the scene.
Deputy Bardes only sustained minor injuries and was treated and later released from the hospital.
In the days following the event, prosecutors examined the statements of witnesses and cellphone footage to determine if Russell’s behavior was criminal or legally justified.
On March 15, the State Attorney’s Office announced that no charges would be filed, finding that Russell’s use of force was lawful and was the only means to stop an immediate threat of serious bodily harm to the deputy.
The sheriff of Lee County, Mike Scott, publicly praised Russell for his intervention. In a social media post, he referred to Russell as “a hero who recognized the imminent threat and acted decisively to protect another human being.”
