ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The trial of a former federal prosecutor accused of stabbing a man on the Howard Frankland Bridge will proceed after the court declined to toss out the charges against him as part of 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.

A car driven by Blake Sharp stopped in the center lane after Sharp passed out. Sharp claimed he lost consciousness due to a medical emergency, but Scruggs’ attorneys claim Sharp was under the influence.

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.

Witnesses whipped out their cellphones to capture what happened next. They told police Scruggs appeared enraged as he took out a knife, shattered Sharp’s window, and proceeded to stab him as he sat in his car.

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.