TAMPA — Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez was critically injured after he shot himself Sunday during an evident suicide try immediately after touring to Tampa for a regulation enforcement meeting, authorities and sources mentioned.
Ramirez, 52, was in his car with his spouse when he pulled above by the side of the street alongside Interstate 75 and shot himself in the head, in accordance to two law enforcement sources.
He was taken to Tampa Common Healthcare facility the place he underwent medical procedures and was in critical but secure affliction, Miami-Dade law enforcement reported in a statement. He is predicted to survive, according to a source common with the incident.
The Florida Freeway Patrol and the Florida Office of Legislation Enforcement are investigating the capturing but have offered several information.
The Miami-Dade Law enforcement Department issued a temporary assertion early Monday saying they experienced been knowledgeable by law enforcement in Tampa that Ramirez experienced endured a “critical injury.”
“We ask you to remember to preserve him in your prayers,” Miami-Dade law enforcement explained in a composed statement.
A senior legislation enforcement resource common with the investigation, explained for CBS News Miami the occasions major up to the taking pictures:
Ramirez and his spouse have been in Tampa for the summer season conference of the Florida’s Sheriff Affiliation, which commenced on Sunday at the JW Marriot Hotel. The few left the welcome reception for the convention at around 6:30 p.m. and went outdoors the lodge where an argument allegedly ensued.
In accordance to the law enforcement supply, a passerby claimed to have witnessed Ramirez threatening to get rid of himself.
“A citizen saw him get out his gun and set it in his mouth,” the supply instructed CBS Miami.
The passerby identified as Tampa police who questioned Ramirez and his spouse.
The two denied that Ramirez had threatened to eliminate himself and considering the fact that the phone was produced anonymously, there ended up no eyewitnesses prepared to communicate to police.
As a consequence, Tampa police made the decision not to arrest Ramirez or to use the state’s Baker Act to involuntarily dedicate Ramirez to a psychological wellness facility for 72 several hours, which would be prevalent practice if police had evidence a individual was a threat to by themselves or others.
“There wasn’t adequate proof to do anything at all,” the source said.
Ramirez and his wife returned to their home, but hotel officers instructed them they had been no longer welcome to stay at the Marriot and asked them to go away.
They still left the hotel all over 9 p.m. Sunday and ended up driving again to Miami when Ramirez pulled off to the aspect of the road together I-75 in the Riverview part of Tampa and shot himself in the head. The extent of his accidents is not publicly identified, but the supply said Ramirez could lose eyesight in 1 eye.
It is not distinct the motive for his evident suicide try.
Ramirez announced two months in the past that he would run for sheriff subsequent year as a Democrat together with Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
He was named police director in 2020 under former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
Cava elevated Ramirez two years later so he could oversee the police section and Miami-Dade Hearth Rescue as interim chief of general public basic safety. He was later offered the situation completely.
In a published statement introduced Monday, the mayor’s place of work reported she experienced traveled to Tampa to be with Director Ramirez and his family members in the clinic.
“Next a crucial personal injury in Tampa yesterday, Chief Ramirez is hospitalized and in vital but stable ailment,” she reported. “All that matters appropriate now is Main Ramirez’s wellbeing, and I be a part of his family, his liked ones, and all his Miami-Dade Law enforcement Division and Miami-Dade County loved ones in praying for his swift restoration.”
The Miramar Law enforcement Office also issued a statement in help of Ramirez.
“We occur collectively sending good power and power his way,” the company stated in a social media submit. “Could Director Ramirez uncover the courage and resilience to defeat this impediment and may perhaps his restoration be swift and complete.”
CBS Information Miami reporter Jim DeFede contributed to this report.
