The incident, which occurred during rush hour on a busy street, resulted in the deaths of a hijacked UPS driver and a passerby in a nearby car.

The grand jury indicted Miami-Dade County officer Rodolfo Mirabal, 39, with two counts of manslaughter with a firearm in relation to the deaths of the UPS driver, Frank Ordonez, and Richard Cutshaw, a 70-year-old union negotiator who was driving nearby. Additionally, officers Jose Mateo, Richard Santiesteban, and Leslie Lee were indicted for manslaughter with a firearm in connection with Ordonez's death, but not for Cutshaw's death.

It is important to note that none of the officers are charged with the deaths of the hijackers, Lamar Alexander and Ronnie Jerome Hill, who were cousins and had hijacked the UPS truck.

Under Florida law, manslaughter is defined as an unlawful killing committed while demonstrating "culpable negligence" or a wanton disregard for human life. If convicted, the officers could face a maximum sentence of 30 years. However, as first-time offenders, such a severe sentence would be unlikely.

In regard to their employment status, Mateo and Mirabal are still employed by the Miami-Dade police department. Lee retired three years ago, while Santiesteban was fired by the department, according to reports.

The indictments come after a four-year investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The shootout took place during a prolonged pursuit by multiple police agencies with around 20 law enforcement officers present on the scene. It is currently unclear how many officers opened fire on the hijackers, who were shooting at law enforcement throughout the chase.

Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice for the victims' families and the community at large. He acknowledged that the decision to use deadly force is a grave one, often made in intense and uncertain circumstances.

The four indicted officers surrendered to the Broward Sheriff's Office and were subsequently released without bail. Although the indictments were issued more than a week ago, they were kept secret until the officers' surrender.

This case is a rarity in Florida, as it is highly unusual for law enforcement officers to be charged for on-duty killings. Only three such cases have occurred in the past 40 years, with only one resulting in a conviction.

The South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the officers' union, expressed their disappointment with the indictments, highlighting the split-second decisions officers face in such situations. However, no lawyers for the indicted officers have been listed in court records.

The tragic chain of events began when Alexander and Hill robbed a jewelry store in Coral Gables, resulting in shots being fired inside the store and a store worker being injured. The robbers then hijacked Ordonez, who was a UPS driver delivering packages nearby.

A high-speed chase ensued, with the hijackers firing shots from inside the van. The pursuit finally ended in a busy intersection, where officers confronted the van and multiple shots were fired, leading to the deaths of Ordonez, Alexander, Hill, and Cutshaw. The exact circumstances of their deaths have not yet been clarified.

This case highlights the complex and challenging nature of law enforcement decisions in high-pressure situations. The officers involved were faced with ensuring public safety while containing the armed robbers and protecting innocent lives.

As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the indictments and subsequent trial will affect law enforcement practices and accountability in Florida.