Centennial Park clean-up adds to downtown Fort Myers improvementsDeputies: Jeep driver purposely rammed Island Vista Estates gate
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dean Bardes A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was found dead Tuesday at a Cape Coral home. The body of 48-year-old Deputy Dean Bardes, a 12-year-veteran, was found at his home on Southwest 26th Street near Veterans Parkway and Chiquita Boulevard, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dean Bardes There is no indication of foul play and an investigation is underway, the sheriff’s office said. Bardes made headlines on Nov. 14, 2016 after a “Good Samaritan” shot and killed a suspect that was attacking the deputy in the middle of the road on Interstate 75. MORE: Passerby shoots, kills suspect fighting deputy on I-75 Bardes was working a crash when Edward Strother, 53, drove past him, nearly running him over. Following a high-speed chase, Strother rushed Bardes and slammed him to the ground after both men exited their vehicles. MORE: Suspect named in fatal I-75 deputy involved assault A passerby, who had a Concealed Weapons License, noticed the fight, exited his vehicle and told Strother he’d shoot him if he didn’t stop beating the deputy. After noncompliance from Strother, the passerby fatally shot him three times. Bardes was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital and later recovered from physical injuries. The passerby was cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of Strother. MORE: Cell phone video depicts fatal I-75 deputy involved assault