State Attorney’s Office rules in North Hampton shooting death – “Justifiable use of deadly force”

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
August 25, 2014 4:28 p.m.

On August 25, 2014, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper released a report from the State Attorney’s Office which concluded that after an altercation in the North Hampton subdivision located in  Nassau County, use of deadly force was “justifiable” in the shooting death of Anthony Bartley.  The incident occurred  on the morning of February 10, 2014.

North Hampton - CroppedThe summation of the report states:

“At the time Deputy Quick discharged his firearm at Mr. Bartley, Deputy Quick was confronted with a person who was described as being suspicious, and who: (1) was covered in blood and had just approached a moving vehicle, (2) had failed to obey Deputy Quick’s lawful commands, (3) had charged at Deputy Quick and struck him multiple times, (4) had attacked Deputy Quick a second time after being tased, (5) had knocked Deputy Quick’s taser from his hands (6) and had continued to punch Deputy Quick with closed fists after telling Deputy Quick, “you are going to have to kill me.” Under the circumstances, Deputy Quick had reason to believe that the use of deadly force was necessary to defend himself and others from imminent death or great bodily harm.

Conclusion: Therefore, it is the opinion of the undersigned Assistant State Attorney that the use of deadly force in this case by Deputy Quick was justifiable pursuant to Florida Statues, Chapters 776 and 782.02, the Florida Standard Jury Instructions and applicable case law.” The report was signed by John L. Guy, Assistant State Attorney.

Various 911 tapes and other information were released to the media. The Fernandina Observer continues to review the additional material and will provide updates.