Miami-Dade Police Director hospitalized in Tampa
TAMPA, Florida (TodayNews) — Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddie” Ramirez III was hospitalized Sunday night after an incident in which he reportedly shot himself, according to the Miami Herald.
Ramirez, 52, a longtime Miami-Dade police officer, was attending a Sheriff’s Association conference in Tampa at the time of the incident. In a statement sent overnight, the department said it had learned that Ramirez was critically injured in the Tampa area and was undergoing surgery. The announcement was followed by a request to the community for prayers and support during this difficult time for their director and his family.
According to the Miami Herald, the shooting took place along a highway between Tampa and Miami, but the exact circumstances leading up to the incident are still unclear. As of 1:00 a.m. Monday, Miami-Dade Police have acknowledged the Ramirez situation but have not released any official information to the public.
Around 6 a.m. Monday, Miramar Police Department Chief Delrish Moss expressed concern for Ramirez’s well-being and prayed for his family in a tweet.
Ramirez, who has been with the Miami-Dade Police since 1995, has risen through the ranks to become director of police in 2020. In 2022, he received a further promotion to oversee the Miami-Dade Police Department and Fire and Rescue as Interim Chief of Public Safety, a position later made permanent by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levin Cava.
Democrat Ramirez recently announced his candidacy for county sheriff’s office in the upcoming 2024 election. His ambition to become the county’s top law enforcement officer came after a successful career marked by dedication and service.
While details are limited, the department said the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the incident.
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