Passerby Who Killed Man Attacking Cop Learns His Fate

July 31, 2025

The State Attorney’s Office has officially cleared Ashad Russell of any wrongdoing in a fatal 2017 incident, according to the Daily Mail.

Russell, 35 at the time, intervened in a life-threatening situation involving Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Dean Bardes, who was under attack on Interstate 75. The altercation began after Bardes pulled over 53-year-old Edward Strother for speeding. Strother allegedly became violent, tackling Bardes to the ground and repeatedly striking him.

Witnessing the assault, Russell—who held a valid concealed carry license—grabbed his firearm and approached. Upon seeing Russell armed, Deputy Bardes reportedly pleaded with him to shoot. Russell warned Strother multiple times to stop before firing three shots to Strother’s neck, killing him.

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott later commended Russell’s actions on Facebook, and after a thorough investigation, prosecutors concluded that Russell’s use of deadly force was justified. The State Attorney’s Office stated that he acted within the law to prevent “imminent death or great bodily harm” to Deputy Bardes, and the case is now officially closed.

However, not everyone agrees with the decision. Louis Strother, the victim’s brother, questioned the narrative. Speaking to The Washington Post, he asked, “They’re calling him a good Samaritan? Was my brother even armed?”

Editor’s note: This story originally broke in February 2017 and is being republished due to renewed interest.