CORAL GABLES, Fla. (WSVN) — The Miami-Dade Police officer who claims former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, her ex-boyfriend, physically attacked her is sharing her side of the story.
Miami-Dade Police Lt. Evelyn Fernandez is trying to move forward despite all odds. "It’s extremely, extremely difficult," she said. "He snapped."
She accused her ex-boyfriend of 14 years, former Miami-Dade Police Director and former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, of battery. Fernandez is also dealing with chemotherapy, as well as raising her 16-year-old daughter, Kristina, alone.
The lieutenant spoke to 7News first, on the same day Alvarez was arrested for battery. She is on medical leave, and sent 7News pictures of her bruised elbow, as well as a venomous text message that she said was from Alvarez. It read, "I hope that you get the worst possible cancer and die a slow miserable death you evil [expletive]."
"That’s not something you say to a person," said Fernandez.
She also recalled the April 23 altercation with Alvarez that led to the domestic battery charge. "I’ve been a police officer for 23 years, and I’ve been a lieutenant for 14 years. I have never once in my life, have had someone spit in my face," she said. "That is the most despicable thing a person could ever do to another person."
According to Fernandez, Alvarez spit in her face multiple times in the parking garage of his Coral Gables apartment complex. "Repeatedly," she said, "as he held me against the wall."
She said his abuse became more intense three years ago, after he was recalled from office and became a full-time body builder. Alvarez, however, denies any wrongdoing of any kind. He said his story will come out in court. "Obviously, I’m not gonna discuss the case here," he said.
Fernandez thought she had beaten colon cancer years ago but learned it had returned in her lungs. She said she doesn’t have time to waste and wanted to share her story so her daughter would know that she shouldn’t put up with a man who is physically abusive, no matter who he is. "You defend yourself," Fernandez said to her daughter.
That message, Fernandez said, is one she wants to send to other young women out there. She also said she met with her daughter and the State Attorney’s Office regarding this case.
7News tried to reach out to Alvarez again, but he has not returned calls.