June 3rd, 2023, began as a normal Saturday.
In the afternoon, a mother and daughter were together enjoying ice cream at a local ice cream
shop in Ponte Vedra. As the two were getting ready to leave, the angry former boyfriend of the
daughter appeared and without warning, began stabbing the daughter.
The mother attempted to save her daughter but she too was attacked. A young man came to
their defense and he was also stabbed. Responding to the call, St. Johns County Sheriff Deputy
Donald Russell quickly assessed the situation and began lifesaving efforts to the daughter and
her mother.
The suspect had attempted suicide. His injuries were not life threatening. Because of Deputy
Sheriff Russell’s quick thinking, and remembering his military experience in combat, he was able
to prevent the loss of life to both the mother and her daughter.
The citizen who came to the rescue also received injuries and along with the two other victims
were taken to nearby medical facilities where they were treated. The daughter sustained life
threatening injuries which resulted in her being paralyzed from the chest down. She is now
recovering from that ordeal. The suspect is serving a life sentence for attempted murder.
On June 24th
, 2024, Deputy Russell was awarded the first Patriotic Award from the Knights of
Columbus Mother of Mercy Assembly, #3771, Ponte Vedra. Faithful Captain Steve Miller
presented Deputy Russell with the award along with a St. Michael the Arc Angel Rosary and a
check for $250.
St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick is a member of the Assembly.
Deputy Russell is presented the award by Faithful Captain Steve Miller; Pictured left to right are
Sheriffs Captain Jeremy Russell, Commander of the Northeast Field Office; Faithful Captain
Steve Miller; Deputy Donald Russell and Sergeant John Floyd, who nominated Deputy Russell
for the award.
