TAMPA, Fla. – The director of the Miami-Dade Police Department was expected to survive after shooting himself and undergoing surgery in a Tampa area hospital, multiple sources told sister station Local 10 News.
“Following a critical injury in Tampa yesterday, Chief Ramirez is hospitalized and in critical but stable condition,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, 52, was in Tampa for a law enforcement conference, officials said.
Local 10 News is reporting Ramirez and his wife got into an argument outside the conference hotel and a witness saw Ramirez put a gun to his mouth, prompting a call to 911.
But sources say the witness was gone by the time police arrived, and Ramirez and his wife denied everything. Those sources say the couple was kicked out of the hotel, and were later driving along Interstate 75 south of Tampa when Ramirez pulled off the road and shot himself.
Amid speculation over what caused Ramirez’s injury, the mayor said that “All that matters right now is Chief Ramirez’s wellbeing,” and state Florida law enforcement officials said they were investigating an ‘incident.’
“We have been advised by local law enforcement agencies that our Director, Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Ramirez, has suffered a critical injury in the Tampa area. We understand he is currently undergoing surgery,” a statement from the Miami-Dade Police Department. “We ask you to please keep him in your prayers.”
The statement said the incident, which happened along Interstate 75 south of Tampa, is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“We will provide information as it becomes available,” the statement said.
The FDLE issued a statement later Monday morning.
“FDLE and FHP are investigating an incident involving Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez last night on I-75, south of Tampa. FDLE agents and troopers were on scene and will continue conducting investigative interviews (Monday). Director Ramirez suffered serious injuries and is hospitalized. No one else was injured. There is no threat to the community. Our investigation is active,” the statement read.
Ramirez is a 27-year veteran of the Miami-Dade police agency. In May, he announced his intention to seek election for the newly-created role of sheriff in 2024, signaling his desire to remain the leading law enforcement official.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.