Two Police Officers Gunned Down in Tampa, Manhunt for Suspects Under Way

1 year ago

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Two Tampa, Fla., police offers are dead this morning from a predawn shootout during a routine traffic stop, various sources report.

Now a "massive manhunt" is under way for a man who has an outstanding arrest warrant for a misdemeanor and his female driver companion. Authorities believe they are traveling in a red 1994 Toyota Camry with a missing license plate, the violation that sparked police interest. Update: Tampa police have impounded a car the believe belongs to the suspects and taken one woman into custody. A $30,000 reward is being offered for information on the missing gunman. Tampa Bay Online reports.

Police have named two people of interest: Dontae Rashawn Morris, 24, and Cortnee Nicole Brantley, 22.

Officer David Curtis, 31, pulled the vehicle over around 2 a.m. at 50th Street and 23rd Avenue, near Interstate 4 in Tampa. He called for backup to arrest the man. Officer Jeffery Kocab, also 31, responded.

"As they put their hands on the suspect, the suspect spun around, pulled a firearm and shot both police officers," said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, according to CNN.

A 911 call from a witness brought more officers to the scene, where they discovered Curtis and Kocab on the ground and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Both men were taken to Tampa General Hospital. Kocab died moments after arriving. Curtis was pronounced dead at 8:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from police. He had been on life support for the last few hours.

Curtis, the father of four boys, was a four-year veteran of the department. In accordance with his wishes, his family has elected to donate his organs.

"That speaks to the kind of man he is," Castor said, according to Tampa Bay Online.

Kocab was a 14-year veteran whose wife was 9 months pregnant, police said.

Police have also requested that anyone driving on 50th Street at the time of the shooting call 813-231-6130.

Approximate location of the shooting, via Google Maps.

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Filed Under: Surge Desk

Tagged: manhunt, officer down, officers killed, police shooting, police shootout, shooting, tampa florida, tampa police, tampa police shooting

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punnster

I have never heard of an executed murderer killing again. No recidivism there.

July 11 2010 at 4:37 PM Report abuse Permalink +11 rate up rate down Reply

shannahnj

According to this report, the officers did not follow safe steps to assure a safe arrest.My heart goes out to their families. The savage thug has to be executed

July 04 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse Permalink +18 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to shannahnj's comment

badguysnightmare

Where exactly do you read that the officers didn't follow safe steps to assure a safe arrest? He called for backup to assist in the arrest which is protocol if the officer believes there may be an issue, especially for a simple misdemeanor warrant. The only other thing is he could have done is ordered the guy out of the car at gunpoint for a misdemeanor warrant, I don't think so. There may have been an issue with tactics, but you cannot read this interview and say that those may or may not have been. The guy was sitting in the car and had a long time to think of a plan before officers approached to make the arrest, which he was able to execute. The bottom line is the filthy leach on society and coward who did this will ultimately be caught, and with a little luck, gives the green light with his actions to be shot wherever he's found!

July 18 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down Reply