Ashad Russell, 35, will not face charges for fatally shooting Edward Strother, 53, who was attacking Florida Deputy Dean Bardes on Interstate 75. Strother had pinned Bardes to the ground, punching him after being pulled over for speeding. Armed with a concealed weapons license, Russell intervened when Bardes instructed him to shoot. Despite warnings, Strother refused to stop, prompting Russell to fire three fatal shots.

The State Attorney’s Office deemed Russell’s actions justified, stating he acted to prevent imminent harm to Bardes. Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott praised Russell as a hero. However, Strother’s brother questioned the decision, asking, “Was my brother armed?” The case has sparked debate over the use of deadly force in such situations.