Gun shop gives free firearm to Good Samaritan who shot and killed suspect attacking deputy

A Ft. Myers gun dealer has given a new gun to the bystander, who’s being a hailed a hero for shooting a suspect that was beating an officer along I-75 Monday morning in Estero.

Shoot Straight manager Mark Williams told News-Press that they gave the gun to the man since his had to be impounded for evidence– following the ordeal earlier this week.  The new gun is a $500 Springfield XDS that can hold up to eight rounds, the News-Press reported.

Williams says they wanted to donate the gun, so the Good Samaritan did not have to remain unarmed.  The bystander, who would reportedly like to remain anonymous, shot and killed Edward Strother shortly after he was stopped by Deputy Dean Bardes for speeding.

The passerby had a concealed weapons permit, officials said.

“He’s a super nice guy. He doesn’t want any attention,” Williams added. The gun store manager says they first ran a background check on him and were totally comfortable with giving him the gun, since the sheriff’s office was too.

Sheriff Mike Scott is calling the man a hero for stopping and helping the deputy who was being assaulted by Strother.

“I thank my good friends at ‘Shoot Straight’ who realized that the hero’s gun was taken as evidence and immediately gave him a brand new firearm,” Scott wrote. “Above all, I thank the hero that recognized the imminent threat, rushed to Deputy Bardes’ aid, and ultimately stopped that threat.”

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