Miami-Dade Police Officer Cesar Echaverry succumbs to injuries from shooting

MIAMI (WSVN) - Two days after an exchange of gunfire with an armed robbery suspect in Liberty City, officials have confirmed that the officer involved has died.

Officials told 7News on Wednesday that 29-year-old Cesar Echaverry succumbed to his injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

On Monday evening, a suspect smashed his vehicle into a police cruiser and another car near Liberty City while trying to flee detectives investigating a reported armed robbery, according to Miami-Dade Police.

The officer was shot after an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect in the area of Northwest Seventh Avenue and 62nd Street. Echaverry was transported to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.

The suspected armed robber was shot dead on the scene. He was identified as Jeremy Horton.

After Echaverry was transported, the law enforcement community waited outside of the hospital to support and pray for their colleague.

Wednesday night, 7News cameras captured a sign posted outside JMH that shows the U.S. flag in the shape of Florida with the thin blue line colors. It reads, “Thank you for your service.”

MDPD Director Alfredo Ramirez released a statement on Twitter, announcing Echaverry’s passing:

In another tweet, Ramirez praised Echavery’s bravery, writing, “Officer Echaverry died in the line of duty while serving & protecting our community. Our law enforcement family will continue to stand beside & support the Echaverry family through this difficult time. We’ll never forget Officer Echaverry’s bravery & sacrifice. Godspeed, brother.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released the following statement following Echevarry’s passing:

“I am heartbroken to learn of Detective Cesar Echaverry’s death. He laid down his life to stop a violent criminal, and we will be forever grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice to our community. Echy, as he was lovingly known to his police family, will be remembered always for his courage, his sense of duty, and his unwavering dedication to keeping our residents safe.”

She went on to praise the 5-year veteran’s work with MDPD’s Robbery Intervention Detail.

“I ask that our entire community lift up his family, his loved ones, and our Police Department in prayer as they navigate an unthinkable tragedy,” she continued. “We thank Echy’s parents for raising a hero and we hold them in solidarity as they grieve. Our county is safer today because of Detective Echaverry’s bravery — a sacrifice we will never forget.”

Miami Police also took to Twitter to pay tribute to Echevarry, writing, “

Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of @MiamiDadePD Ofc Echaverry, a hero who laid his life protecting the county he loved – @MiamiPD thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and @MiamiDadePD may he rest in peace.”

In another tweet, Miami Beach Police officials wrote, “We are incredibly saddened by the loss of @MiamiDadePD Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry. Our prayers are with his family and the entire MDPD family.”

Sweetwater Police also expressed their condolences. Officials wrote, “We are extremely saddened to hear of Officer Cesar Echaverry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family, Friends, @miamidadepd and our Law Enforcement Community. Rest In Peace my brother, we will take it from here.”

A spokesperson for Miramar Police wrote, “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of @MiamiDadePD Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”

Cameras showed the flags in front of the Doral Police Department building in Doral lowered to half-staff in Echaverry’s honor.

Cameras showed officers from different police departments, including MDPD and City of Miami Police, parking near Ryder Trauma Center. They were seen entering the hospital shortly after.

A procession is expected to bring the officer’s body to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office. Miami-Dade Police officers said they were scouting the area to determine how they are going to proceed. They did not specify when the procession would take place.

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