Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, the Director of Miami-Dade Police, is in critical condition following an alleged suicide attempt on Sunday. Ramirez, 52, was traveling to Tampa for a law enforcement conference when the incident occurred. According to law enforcement sources, Ramirez pulled his car over on Interstate 75 and shot himself in the head while his wife was in the vehicle.
Ramirez was rushed to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent surgery. Miami-Dade police confirmed that he is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive. The Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are currently investigating the incident, but have yet to release detailed information.
The Miami-Dade Police Department released a statement on Monday, confirming that Ramirez had suffered a critical injury and asked the public to keep him in their prayers. The circumstances leading up to the incident were described by a senior law enforcement source. Ramirez and his wife were attending the summer meeting of the Florida’s Sheriff Association at the JW Marriot Hotel in Tampa. Following an argument outside the hotel, a passerby reportedly saw Ramirez threatening to kill himself.
Tampa police were alerted by the passerby, but both Ramirez and his wife denied the suicide threat. Due to the anonymous nature of the call and lack of eyewitnesses, Tampa police did not arrest Ramirez or invoke the state’s Baker Act, which allows for the involuntary commitment of individuals posing a risk to themselves or others.
Following the incident, hotel officials asked Ramirez and his wife to leave the premises. While driving back to Miami, Ramirez pulled over and shot himself. The extent of his injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but sources suggest he may lose vision in one eye. The motive behind his alleged suicide attempt remains unclear.
Ramirez, who announced his candidacy for sheriff as a Democrat two months ago, was appointed as police director in 2020 by former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez. He was later promoted to oversee the police department and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue as interim chief of public safety, a position he eventually held permanently.
Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a statement on Monday, confirming that she had traveled to Tampa to be with Ramirez and his family. She urged the public to pray for Ramirez’s swift recovery. The Miramar Police Department also issued a statement in support of Ramirez.