A suspect was killed and a deputy’s life was saved earlier this week in Estero, Florida after a civilian with a concealed carry permit entered the fight. The incident occurred after a high speed chase along I-75 met a roadside accident. The suspect, 53-year-old Edward Strother, exited his vehicle and attacked a deputy attending an accident near Mile Marker 126.
Rick Maestas was in his car and watched the events unfold. he told WINK News,
There was a high-speed pursuit on the left shoulder when I got off the ramp…there was a man on top of another man …they were struggling for a little bit then I heard three shots…then the man who was sitting on top of the police officer fell to the side…the police officer got up, he was exhausted and laid back down, then help came.
The good Samaritan with a CCW, who remains anonymous, saw the attack and acted immediately. After drawing his weapon he ordered the suspect to get off the deputy. When the suspect refused, the civilian fired three shots, all hits, and killed the suspect. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy involved in the incident was Deputy First Class Dean Bardes, a 12-year veteran. Deputy Bardes suffered minor injuries.