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Judge Grants 'Stand Your Ground' Immunity to 3 Officers in 2019 UPS Shootout as State Plans Appeal

The appeal will test whether Florida's self-defense immunity can cover police shootings that kill bystanders.

Overview

  • Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra dismissed charges against Leslie Lee, Rodolfo Mirabal, and Richard Santiesteban under Florida's Stand Your Ground law.
  • The Broward State Attorney's Office said it will appeal the three rulings and is already challenging a September immunity decision for Jose Mateo.
  • Prosecutors argue the immunity law should not shield conduct that killed UPS driver Frank Ordonez and motorist Richard Cutshaw, who posed no threat.
  • The judge found the officers reasonably believed deadly force was needed after a hijacked UPS truck chase ended at a crowded Miramar intersection in 2019.
  • Stand Your Ground immunity lets a judge dismiss charges before trial if the defendant shows their use of force was justified under state law.