LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- The citizen who shot and killed a man who attacked a deputy on Interstate 75 last year has been cleared on any charges.
The citizen, who has requested to remain unnamed, stepped in when Deputy Dean Bardes was being attacked by Edward Strother on November 14, 2016.
A report released by The State Attorney's Office on Tuesday says the citizen witnessed the high speed chase involving Strother on Interstate 75. When the chase stopped on an off ramp and Strother attacked Deputy Bardes, the citizen then stopped to assist the officer.
The citizen observed Strother atop the officer as Strother tried to take the officer's firearm. The citizen exited his car with his lawfully possessed firearm, and yelled for Strother to stop beating the officer or he would shoot him. The officer pled for help and asked the citizen to shoot Strother
The citizen shot Strother three times in the clavicle and neck area, ending the attack. Strother was transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The State Attorney's Office has ruled that no further action is required in the case.
