Tampa Police: Jacksonville warrants for Dontae Morris were in error

TAMPA - Tampa Police say warrants for Dontae Morris by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office were issued in error.

In a statement, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor said, "Our review of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office letter (regarding Dontae Morris capias/warrant) indicates that as the originating agency, they issued the warrants in error. It also appears they took no action to remove the warrants once the error was detected. In fact, the warrants were still active upon the arrest of Dontae Morris, four days after our officers were killed.

"As an organization, we will continue to investigate this issue. However, any errors made do not negate the fact that Dontae Morris is solely responsible for the deaths of Officer David Curtis and Officer Jeff Kocab, nor will it bring them back."

Officers Jeff Kocab and Officer Dave Curtis were gunned down during a traffic stop near I-4 in the vicinity of 50th Street and 23rd Avenue.

Officer Kocab joined Curtis after it was determined that the passenger in the car had an outstanding warrant for a worthless check out of Jacksonville. Chief Castor said as soon as they put their hands on the suspect, the man spun around, pulled out a gun and shot both officers in the upper body.