The Cuban-AmericanFreddy Ramirez, director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, is admitted to Tampa General Hospital after suffering a "critical injury" when he tried to take his own life with a gunshot to the head.
According to police sources, the injuries were caused by ashot he took himself. The incident apparently occurred while he was traveling with his wife from Tampa to Miami. During the trip, he stopped the car and shot himself.
The Hillsboro County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday that Ramirez attempted to take his own life after a domestic dispute at a Tampa hotel, where he was attending an annual convention of police chiefs in Florida.
The Miami-Dade Police Department issued a statement this Monday morning on its Twitter account, revealing that the officerhe had to be operated on.
"Local law enforcement agencies have informed us that our director,Alfredo 'Freddy' Ramirez, has suffered a critical injury in the Tampa area. We understand that he is currently undergoing surgery. We ask that you please keep him in your prayers. "Details surrounding the incident are being jointly investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement," the tweet states.
The publication did not provide details of the incident, only adding that it will provide information as it becomes available.
Heofficer is in critical but stable condition, according to an update on his health status provided by the Police.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement shared another message stating that the incident involving the Police Director occurred onSunday night on I-75, south of Tampa.
"FDLE agents and soldiers were on scene and will continue conducting investigative interviews today. Director Ramirez is hospitalized. Updates to come," the second tweet added.
Ramirez was in Tampa attending the Summer Sheriffs' Conference, the largest annual event of the Florida Sheriffs' Association.
According to law enforcement sources, Tampa Police officers confronted him on the road after some type of altercation, but they believe the shooting occurred after the officers had left.
Previously, an incident was reported on the 12th floor of the hotel in Tampa. The police attended but Ramírez and the wife told authorities that things were resolved and there was no danger of violence.
The mayor of Miami-Dade,Daniella Levine Cava, issued a statement in which it emphasizes that what is important is their well-being.
"Our hearts go out to Public Security Chief Freddy Ramírez and his family during this difficult time. All that matters right now is his well-being and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery," he said.
Ramirez, 52, announced in May his intention to run for county sheriff in 2024.
With more than 27 years in law enforcement in Miami-Dade, he wasPromoted to Chief of Police in 2020, by the then mayor Carlos Giménez.
In 2022, Levine Cava promoted him to head of Security and Emergency Response, with which he also has the county Fire Department under his command.
Of Cuban origin, he grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and graduated from the University of Miami. He is married and has four children.
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