LARGO — The good Samaritan who turned armed Samaritan on Sunday will not face charges after shooting a 63-year-old man whom he initially tried to help, according to Largo police.
But Michael Girardin, who may or may not have been hit by a car but definitely suffered a gunshot wound, may face even more problems from what has turned into a very bad Sunday night: Largo police have asked the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office to see whether the 63-year-old should be charged with aggravated assault.
That's because Girardin pulled out a boxcutter and went after the Samaritan and another man who tried to help him that night, police said. The Samartian then shot Girardin in the upper left leg.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man pulls boxcutter on good Samaritan, who shoots him, police say
The Samaritan asked Largo police not to release his name. The agency agreed to that request based on its interpretation of a new state constitutional amendment regarding crime victims known as Marsy's Law. In this case, police said the Samartian may be the victim of the man he shot.
The incident took place at about 8 p.m. Sunday. Girardin was "likely" struck by a hit-and-run driver in the 11000 block of Walsingham Road, police said. Two men saw him lying in the road and stopped to help.
But Girardin wasn't in the mood for being helped. But Girardin, who uses a walker to carry his possessions, took his stuff and walked away, police said. The two men followed, even though police said Girardin told them to leave him alone.
Girardin then pulled out a boxcutter and menaced the Samaritan and the other man, police said. The other man, who also has not been named, was in fear of his life, police said.
The Samaritan, who police said has a valid Florida's concealed weapon license, shot Girardin. The Samaritan then used his belt as a tourniquet and treated Girardin's wounded leg.
Girardin underwent surgery at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and remained there on Friday. His injury was not considered life-threatening. Meanwhile Largo police are looking for the vehicle that may have hit him: Anyone who has information about a white SUV, possibly a Jeep or Kia, is asked to call police at (727) 587-6730.
Contact McKenna Oxenden at moxenden@tampabay.com. Follow @mack_oxenden.