Strother had been stopped by bardes for speeding. After that, Strother, 53, allegedly attacked Bardes, punching him repeatedly and pinning him to the road.

When Russell got out of his car to assist, he was armed and had a concealed weapons license. Apparently noticing that Russell was armed, Bardes gave him the order to shoot Strother.

Strother was repeatedly told to get off Barnes, but Russell killed him by shooting him three times in the neck.