Miami-Dade Police Director Recovering After Shooting Self On I-75 S

TAMPA, FL — Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez is recovering after shooting himself Sunday following a domestic dispute with his wife at a Tampa hotel.

Ramirez, 52, who also oversees the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, was visiting the city for a law enforcement conference.

He underwent surgery Monday following the incident.

“The surgery has concluded and Director Ramirez is in stable condition,” Miami-Dade police wrote in a statement Monday night. “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.”

• Also Read: Miami Police Official Critical After Shooting Himself: Report

Officers responded to reports of a man pointing a gun at himself outside the downtown Marriott Waterside during an argument with a woman early Sunday, according to The Associated Press.
Ramirez was allowed to leave after police found no evidence of a crime or immediate danger.

After the dispute between him and his wife, Ramirez left the hotel and shot himself after pulling over on Interstate 75 south in the Riverview area, Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials said.

“Law enforcement is a demanding and stressful career and occupation,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said during a news conference Monday. “And Director Ramirez has dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to public service and keeping the citizens of Miami-Dade safe. Today is a tragic day in Florida.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava spoke with Ramirezbefore he shot himself, a spokesperson for her office told NBC 6 South Florida on Tuesday.

“Following a critical injury in Tampa (Sunday), Chief Ramirez is hospitalized and in critical but stable condition,” she wrote in a statement released Monday. “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.”

The mayor’s office told The Associated Press that she traveled to Tampa following the shooting to support Ramirez and his family.

Deputy Director Stephanie Daniels was named the interim director of the Miami-Dade Police Department while Ramirez.

Ramirez is a 27-year Miami-Dade police veteran and was leading the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern U.S. 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.

“Our hearts are with Director Ramirez and his family,” Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement urging police officers who are struggling to seek help.