Release posted on 03-13-23 at 11:28 a.m.

Chief Anthony Holloway convened a Command Review Board on March 10, 2023, to review the officer-involved shooting that occurred on November 27, 2022. The Office of Professional Standards concluded an investigation into whether Officer Jace Morrow had violated any Police Department policies and/or City of St. Petersburg rules and regulations. The Board determined that Officer Morrow's actions were justified and no policies were violated.

Previously, on December 15th, the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Taskforce investigated the shooting and concluded Officer Morrow's actions were lawful under the circumstances.

Also, on December 21st, a separate and independent investigation conducted by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney also determined that the officer lawfully shot and killed Gus Spanoudis while in the lawful performance of his duties.

Summary:
On November 27th, 2022, at 3:43 a.m., Officer Jace Morrow was dispatched to investigate a hit-and-run crash involving an unattended vehicle. His investigation led him to 1225 58th St N Apt. 204A, St. Petersburg, Fl, to contact the registered owner of the suspect vehicle. While there, he developed cause to forcibly enter the apartment for a "check welfare". Officer Morrow requested assistance from the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department for the entry. Once inside the apartment, he contacted three men. One of the men, Gus Spanoudis, armed himself with a pistol and made statements that he wanted to die. Officer Morrow observed the pistol and gave commands for the subject to drop the weapon. During this exchange Spanoudis moved the hand holding the pistol, causing Officer Morrow to fire his service weapon at him. Spanoudis died from his injuries.