Judge Denies ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense for Ex-Federal Prosecutor
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A Pinellas County judge has denied a former federal prosecutor’s attempt to use the “stand your ground” defense to avoid trial on charges stemming from a stabbing incident on the Howard Frankland Bridge. Patrick Scruggs, who faces serious felony charges, was involved in an altercation following a minor traffic accident that escalated dramatically. The incident, captured in multiple videos from September 26, 2023, shows Scruggs repeatedly stabbing a man after a …