State drops appeal of ruling that granted officer ‘stand your ground’ immunity in 2019 Miramar shootout

The state is dropping its appeal in the case of a former Miami-Dade Police officer who was involved in a 2019 shootout that left a UPS driver and an innocent bystander dead.

Court records show a notice to dismiss the case was filed Thursday.

Prosecutors had been appealing a ruling by Judge Ernest Kollra, who granted Officer Jose Mateo “stand your ground” immunity in the case.

That ruling found Mateo and three other officers encountered two gunmen inside a hijacked UPS truck along Miramar Parkway nearly seven years ago and only opened fire after those suspects fired at them.

Mateo’s attorney told NBC6 this means the criminal case against his client is now over.

Broward prosecutors told NBC6 last week that they will appeal the immunity that same judge gave three other officers last month.