Sean Rossman

Democrat staff writer

A shot was fired Thursday night at the Seminole Grand apartment complex after an off-duty Florida Highway Patrol trooper was unexpectedly attacked in the parking lot.

The trooper walked out to his patrol car about 7 p.m. to find 22-year-old Sherlin Herard sitting on the hood of his car with a drink and a laptop, according to court documents.

The trooper, who did not know Herard, told him to get off the car, to which Herard said, "I've been waiting on you."

Herard, according to court documents, went on to tell the trooper, "I know you've been watching me," and "you know who I am."

Over the past week the trooper, who said he did not know Herard, noticed Post It notes with derogatory messages attached to his patrol car, which was parked in the West Tharpe Street complex's parking lot.

Herard told the trooper he had been leaving these notes, court documents said.

Eventually, Herard walked away, then returned to the car and stood on the hood and said "come move me," and "make me get off."

The trooper then called FHP dispatch for help just before Herard jumped off the car and shoved the trooper. A fight ensued in which Herard punched the trooper multiple times in the head with a closed fist.

The trooper fell to the ground and started to become disoriented from the blows.

The trooper's off-duty concealed firearm then fell out of his pants pocket and onto the ground. Herard grabbed the gun, which the trooper immediately grabbed too.

The two fought over the firearm while on the ground. Eventually one round fired into the front driver's side window, shattering it, court documents said.

Both continued to pry the weapon away from the other until Tallahassee Police Department officers showed up and arrested Herard, who is now facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and battery.

A woman who was taking in her groceries tried to spray Herard with pepper spray during the fight. Another witness took a short video with a cell phone, court documents said.

The fight left the trooper with lacerations to his face as well as cuts on his hands, fingers and forearms.

Herard's roommate allowed police to search his Seminole Grand apartment where they found vulgar Post It notes attacking the trooper specifically, court documents said.

The notes were similar to those that were stuck on the trooper's car and some were signed with Herard's full name.