The trial of a former federal prosecutor, accused of stabbing a man on the Howard Frankland Bridge, is set to continue. The court rejected his attempt to have the charges dismissed using a “stand your ground” defense.
Patrick Scruggs was on his way to work on Sept. 26, 2023, when he came upon stopped traffic in the middle of the bridge.
The incident began when Blake Sharp’s car stopped in the middle lane after he reportedly lost consciousness. Sharp claims he blacked out due to a medical condition, while the defense argues he was impaired at the time.
Sharp woke up as another driver was pounding on his window. His car lurched forward, hitting both the other driver’s car and Scruggs’ car.
Eyewitnesses, who recorded the event on their phones, informed police that the former prosecutor, in a fit of rage, smashed Sharp’s car window with a knife and attacked him as he remained inside the vehicle.
Images of the incident, showing Scruggs wearing shorts and flip-flops and holding a knife in his hand, spread widely on social media. A passing St. Petersburg police officer detained him “within moments,” court documents state.
Scruggs was charged with armed burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated assault. His trial will begin on Sept. 9.
