VIDEO: Civilian Shoots, Kills Man Attacking Deputy on FL Interstate

A civilian shot and killed a person who was fighting with a Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office deputy on Interstate 75 Monday morning, reports WINK.

Deputy First Class Dean Bardes, a 12-year-veteran, was working a crash at mile marker 126 when the suspect came upon him, causing Bardes to pursue him at high speeds, according to multiple sources.

Bardes and the suspect exited their vehicles at the Corkscrew Road exit and a fight started, sources said. The suspect was armed, Bardes told his supervisors, according to sources.

The civilian motorist, who had a Concealed Weapons License, exited his vehicle and told the suspect he’d shoot him if he didn’t stop beating the deputy, sources said.

After noncompliance from the suspect, the motorist shot the suspect three times, sources said. The suspect later died.

Although Bardes was crying for help, he was not shot, sources said. Witnesses said he was severely beaten. He was treated and released from Lee Memorial Hospital.

It was unclear whether Bardes fired his weapon.