FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – A 28-year-old man will not be facing any charges after he defended himself with his legally concealed firearm during a confrontation at a Waffle House in Fort Myers back in January.
Newly released video (above) shows us just what happened, and why the legal gun owner did what he did.
The State Attorney’s Office will not file any charges against the man who shot and killed Dakota Fields in January at the Waffle House restaurant on Palm Beach Boulevard.
Jehrardd Williams, 28, was the shooter at the Waffle House, but the reports released this week indicate Williams feared for his life when he fired three shots at Fields.
Fields and several friends were in the restaurant early in the morning on Jan. 5 after drinking the night before. The report says the group was loud and seemingly intoxicated when an argument started.
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After examining the video, it seems that Williams did everything by the book and acted as he should. Here are some points that I’d like to make about his actions:
- He wasn’t confrontational with the group that was harassing him
- As soon as things looked bad, Williams asked for the check so that he could leave
- When approached, he backed up in an attempt to give himself some space
- After firing the shots, he placed his firearm on the counter and immediately called 911
After racial slurs, getting punched and being outnumbered by guys who look to be bigger than you, lethal force is likely on the table. And that’s exactly what the courts found in this particular case.
One thing that Williams could have done better was to give distance between himself and the man who ended up punching him. But you know, hindsight is 20/20.
In addition, the placing of his firearm on the counter is questionable. Re-holstering it is likely your best bet, but things can get crazy during a situation like this. If you were to set it on a counter like Williams did, I’d be sure to keep an eye on it at all times.
I commend Williams for his actions and the way he handled himself in this stressful situation. It’s level-headed gun owners like him that make me smile.
