Good Samaritan Won't Be Charged For Shooting Man He Tried To Help

LARGO, FL - Largo Police say a Good Samaritan will not be charged for shooting a pedestrian he tried to help after the pedestrian was struck by a car.

On Sunday at about 8 p.m., Largo Police officers responded to a possible hit-and-run crash at 11988 Walsingham Road.

Michael E. Girardin, 63, was found laying in the road after being hit by an SUV. Bystanders urged Girardin to stay down and wait for medical assistance but he collected his belongings and began walking away from the scene. The bystanders continued to follow him for about a block and a half, trying to convince him to get medical help. But Girardin became angry, produced a box cutter and approached one of the bystanders in a threatening manner. The bystander responded by pulling out a handgun and firing one round into Girardin's upper leg.

The shooter then applied a belt to Girardin's leg to serve as a tourniquet and waited until paramedics arrived to transport Girardin to Bayfront Medical where he underwent surgery for the gunshot wound. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

After investigating the incident, Largo detectives determined that the bystander was justified in defending himself because witnesses said they feared for their lives when Girardin approached them with the box cutter.

The case has been referred to the Pinellas/Pasco State Attorney's Office to determine if Girardin should be charged with aggravated assault.

The Good Samaritan possesses a valid Florida Concealed Weapons Permit. He has asked that his named not be released.

In the meantime, Largo Police are looking for the vehicle that struck Girardin. It is a white SUV, possibly a Jeepn or Kia. Anyone with information is asked to call 727-587-6730.