Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in February 2017.

A passerby who intervened in a life-threatening altercation involving a Florida sheriff’s deputy will not face charges, according to the State Attorney’s Office. Ashad Russell, 35, acted to save Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Dean Bardes when he witnessed Edward Strother, 53, violently assaulting Bardes on Interstate 75.

The incident began when Bardes pulled Strother over for speeding. Strother allegedly attacked the deputy, pinning him to the ground and repeatedly punching him. Russell, a concealed carry permit holder, stopped his vehicle to assist. Observing Russell was armed, Bardes reportedly instructed him to shoot Strother. After multiple warnings for Strother to stop, Russell fired three shots, striking Strother in the neck and killing him.

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott commended Russell’s actions in a Facebook post, describing him as a hero. The State Attorney’s Office determined Russell’s use of deadly force was justified, stating he acted to prevent “imminent death or great bodily harm” to Deputy Bardes or to stop a forcible felony.

The decision closes the investigation, with authorities emphasizing that Russell’s actions were in line with Florida’s laws on self-defense and the protection of others.

Not everyone agreed with the outcome. Strother’s brother, Louis, expressed frustration, questioning the narrative surrounding the incident. “They are calling him a good Samaritan?” he asked. “Was my brother armed?”

The case underscores ongoing debates about self-defense laws and the responsibilities of armed civilians intervening in critical situations.