Miami-Dade Police DirectorAlfredo “Freddy” Ramírez,is recovering in a Tampa hospital after undergoing surgery for a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
According to close sources, the surgery has been successful and another intervention is scheduled for next Tuesday. He is expected to remain under observation at Tampa General Hospital throughout the week, he said.Local 10 News.
The incident occurred Sunday night while Ramirez was in town to attend the Sheriffs 2023 Summer Conference, which was being held at the JW Marriot on Water Street. During an argument with his wife, Jody, outside the hotel, a witness witnessed howRamírez put a gun in his mouth, which led to calling 911.
Tampa police responded to the scene, but both Ramírez and his wife denied the facts and assured that there had been no threat with a weapon. After interrogation, Ramirez stated that he did not intend to harm himself or others, according to an official police statement.
However, Ramirez later left the hotel along with his wife and, according to sources, after exiting Interstate 75 in the Riverview area of Hillsborough County, he shot himself in the head. The bullet passed through his right temple and exited through his right eye.
The Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Mark Glass, announced that they are conducting an active investigation, collecting testimonies and video evidence to clarify the events of that night.
Ramírez, who has 27 years of experience in law enforcement, currently serves asdirector of the Miami-Dade Police Department and chief of Security and Emergency Response under the administration of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
In the past, Ramirez had shared his own mental health challenges alongside other county top brass, highlighting the pressures of working in law enforcement and the importance of seeking help when necessary.
Following the incident, several law enforcement officials and elected leaders, including the mayorDaniella Levine Cava, They expressed their support for Ramírez, his family and the department.
The deputy directorStephanie Daniels was named interim chief of the police department, while Chief of Corrections and Coroners JD Patterson temporarily assumed Ramirez's role as chief of public safety, overseeing the MDPD, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and other public safety agencies.
Levine Cava is expected to make his first public statement about the incident this Wednesday, and his representatives have so far declined to comment outside of his official statements.
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