Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez was hospitalized after shooting himself in an attempted suicide Sunday night, authorities said.
Ramirez suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the Tampa area, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
The 52-year-old was in stable condition after undergoing surgery, Miami-Dade Police officials said Monday evening.
"The surgery has concluded, and Director Ramirez is in stable condition. We thank the community and the extended MDPD family for their prayers and support. Director Ramirez will begin his road to recovery surrounded by his family," Miami-Dade Police said in a statement.
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The incident involving Ramirez happened on Interstate 75 south of Tampa. It's being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Ramirez had been attending the Florida Sheriff's Association's annual summer conference in Tampa, which began Sunday.
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Chronister said Ramirez had been involved in some sort of domestic dispute at a Tampa-area hotel, and had been asked to leave by hotel staff.
Ramirez left and was driving somewhere along I-75 between Tampa and Miami with his wife when the incident happened, sources told NBC6. The wife had called 911 during the incident, the sources said.
Chronister said Ramirez pulled off the highway and shot himself in the head.
"We believe from what we can tell processing the evidence at this point, interviews that were conducted, that it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Chronister said. "We do know that he probably has a long road ahead, a lot of surgeries, but he is going to survive."
No one else was injured in the incident, FHP officials said.
According to Tampa Police, officers had responded to a report of a man with a gun outside the Marriott Waterside, where the conference was being held.
Officers arrived and were given third-hand information alleging a man had pointed a gun at himself, but there were no first-hand witnesses or security camera footage capturing the alleged incident, police said.
Police said officers found Ramirez in a 12th-floor room with a woman who Ramirez said he'd been involved in an argument with.
Ramirez said he had not displayed a firearm and had no intention to harm himself or others, police said. The woman corroborated that they had an argument and that she did not have any concerns about her safety being in danger, police said.
Since there was no evidence of a crime or immediate danger, Ramirez was released at the scene, police said.
"Our hearts are with Director Ramirez and his family," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "Officer wellness is a pillar of our agency and a concern for all in the profession."
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a statement Monday, wishing the best for the MDPD director.
"Following a critical injury in Tampa yesterday, Chief Ramirez is hospitalized and in critical but stable condition," the statement said. "All that matters right now is Chief Ramirez’s wellbeing, and I join his family, his loved ones, and all his Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade County family in praying for his swift recovery."
“I ask for everyone’s prayers during this difficult time. I am heartbroken as many others. You can imagine we are all in shock," former Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said in a statement.
Ramirez had announced earlier this year he would run for sheriff in 2024 to try to keep his position as head of the police department.
He first joined Miami-Dade Police in 1995 and worked his way up through the ranks. He became police director in 2020 and then received a further promotion to Miami-Dade County chief of public safety.
The Miami-Dade Police Department is the largest in the southeastern U.S. and 8th largest in the country, with more than 3,000 sworn officers and over 1,000 civilian staff.
Levine Cava has appointed Deputy Director Stephanie Daniels to MDPD Interim Director until further notice. According to her LinkedIn profile, Daniels has worked her way up through the MDPD over the past 31 years, starting as an officer in 1992.
Outside MDPD headquarters Monday, staffers, community members, a rabbi and a chaplain held a prayer circle for Ramirez.
"You couldn't ask for a more respectful person, somebody that cares about others, and wants to do a good job," Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said Monday. "My heart goes out to Freddy and his family. I hope he has a full recovery. You know law enforcement's a tough job and so you hate for things like that to happen. He's just a wonderful public servant."
The Miramar Police Department also issued a statement Monday, sending their thoughts and prayers to Ramirez.
"The Miramar Police Department extends urgent prayers and support to Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez, his family and the Miami-Dade Police Department during this challenging time," the statement said. "We come together sending positive energy and strength his way. May Director Ramirez find the courage and resilience to overcome this obstacle, and may his recovery be swift and complete."
This is a developing story. Check back with NBC6 for updates.
