Florida man with concealed weapon shoots at suspect attacking police officer, authorities say

A private citizen with a concealed weapon license saved a police officer who was being beaten Monday on the side of the road, authorities said.

A Lee County Sheriff's Office deputy was working an accident scene along I-75 when a driver, who has not been identified, came past him, leading to a chase by the officer, according to WINK.

Deputy Dean Bardes, a 12-year veteran, and the suspect got out of their vehicles and an altercation began. An unnamed driver, passed by, stopped and said he would shoot if the suspect did not stop beating the deputy.

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When the suspect did not stop, the man with the gun shot him three times.

The suspect died.

Bardes was treated and released from Lee Memorial Hospital.

Cox Media Group