US EditionJudge cites ‘stand your ground’ law in clearing 3 more Florida officers in shooting of a UPS driver
Judge Kollra ruled the officers acted reasonably under Florida's law after a 2019 shootout that killed a UPS driver and a bystander, with immunity appeals pending.
- On Monday, Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra cleared three Miami‑Dade police officers of wrongdoing, ruling Florida's 'stand your ground' law justified the shooting and barred prosecution.
- The abduction and ensuing chase prompted the fatal confrontation after 27-year-old UPS driver was abducted by two would-be jewelry store robbers on Dec. 5, 2019, ending in Broward County.
- Court‑played body‑camera footage showed Mateo approaching the UPS truck, emptying his magazine, reloading, and pulling Ordonez from the vehicle, with prosecutors saying Mateo fired the fatal shots.
- The Broward State Attorney's Office said it will appeal all four rulings, arguing Stand Your Ground immunity does not apply to incidents with innocent bystanders like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, while the four officers remain suspended.
- Kollra had previously cleared Officer Jose Mateo and found officers had reason to believe deadly force was necessary, reflecting the court's legal reasoning about necessity.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Associated Press News
Judge cites 'stand your ground' law in clearing 3 more Florida officers in shooting of a UPS driver
A South Florida judge has cleared three more police officers of wrongdoing in the shooting death of a UPS driver who had been taken hostage during a 2019 robbery.
‘Stand your ground’ claim upheld, charges dropped against 3 officers in Florida shootout
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Broward County judge has ruled that three Miami-Dade police officers who were involved in a shootout that killed a bystander and a UPS driver taken hostage by jewelry store robbers should not face manslaughter charges…
‘Stand your ground’ claim upheld, charges dropped against 3 officers in Miramar shootout
A Broward County judge has ruled that three Miami-Dade police officers involved in a fatal shootout will not face charges, based on Florida's Stand Your Ground law.
3 former Miami-Dade officers granted ‘Stand Your Ground' immunity in 2019 UPS shootout
Three former Miami-Dade Police officers charged in a 2019 shootout with suspects that left a hijacked UPS driver and bystander dead in Miramar have been granted "Stand Your Ground" immunity.
Broward State Attorney's Office statement re most recent rulings on UPS Miramar shootings – Office of Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor
Broward State Attorney’s Office statement re most recent rulings on UPS Miramar shootingsMarch 23, 2026 Statement from the Broward State Attorney’s Office: Immunity from prosecution is not the same as a defense presented to a jury from this community. It is our belief that Stand Your Ground immunity does not apply in matters involving innocent bystanders, like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, who presented no danger to officers. In this incide…
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