Largo Police detectives have determined that the Good Samaritan was defending himself when he fired his handgun at 63 year-old Michael E. Girardin.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2019.
The initial call for service was a vehicle crash in the 11900 block of Indian Rocks Road. It was unclear at this time if a vehicle struck Girardin or he fell in the roadway.
According to a witness, Girardin, who was likely struck by a vehicle, became angry that the witness and Good Samaritan were following him and urging him to stay for medical assistance. Girardin repeated told them to leave him alone.
Girardin turned toward both men following him, produced a box cutter, and charged at them in a threatening manner. The witness, who was standing next to the Good Samaritan, said he was in fear for his life. The Good Samaritan fired one round from his weapon, striking Giradin in the upper left leg. The witness did not know the Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan then applied a belt on Giradin’s leg to act as a tourniquet. Pinellas Suncoast Fire Rescue arrived at the scene to assume patient care.
Girardin was transported to the trauma center at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he underwent surgery for the gunshot wound. According to police, he is still in the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.
The Good Samaritan, as the victim of the Aggravated Assault, is not being named because he requested confidentiality per Marsy’s Law.
The Good Samaritan possesses a valid Florida Concealed Weapons Permit. Largo Police are asking for anyone with information about a white SUV, possible a Jeep or Kia, that may have been involved in the initial crash, please call their Communication Center at 727-587-6730.