TAMPA, FLA. (WSVN) - The director of the Miami-Dade Police Department was reported to be in critical but stable condition on Tuesday following surgery at Tampa General Hospital a day after he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to state law enforcement officials.
Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, 52, was in Tampa attending a law enforcement conference at the JW Marriott, officials confirmed.
As the mystery behind this catastrophic decision deepens, Deputy Director Stephanie Daniels has been appointed as MDPD Interim Director by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, with JD Patterson assuming the role of Interim Chief of Public Safety.
The incident occurred after Ramirez had an argument with his wife at the hotel, which led to him being asked to leave. According to police dispatch audio shared with 7News, Ramirez reportedly placed a gun in his mouth inside the JW Marriott.
“Apparently the guy put a gun in his mouth and [unintelligible] through the JW matching the description,” said the dispatcher.
After leaving the hotel, Ramirez and his wife drove southbound on I-75 heading back to Miami. Ramirez eventually pulled off the side of the road near the Riverview exit and shot himself.
Ramirez’s wife called 911 and he was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. 7News sources said he is expected to survive.
“Our investigators are conducting interviews, identifying witnesses, and obtaining any video evidence to help us piece together the events,” said Mark Glass, FDLE Commissioner.
Monday evening, officers in Doral outside MDPD headquarters gathered in a prayer circle to send well wishes to Ramirez.
“Freddy has walked with me through so many situations, even my own personal situation of wanting to give up,” said Tangela Sears, Founder of Florida Parents of Murdered Children.
His colleagues consider Ramirez a dear friend and have shown their support.
“He’s a great man,” said Steadman Stahl with the South Florida Police Benevolent Association. “Has done a lot of great things for the community and we are just absolutely shocked.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department stated that ” Director Ramirez continues to positively recover post-surgery. He continues to receive outstanding medical care in Tampa surrounded by his family, loved ones, and MDPD brothers and sisters. Thank you to our community and law enforcement family for all your prayers, support, and strength.”
Cava, along with Interim Director Daniels, were present at the hospital on Tuesday as Officer Ramirez remained in critical condition.
As of Tuesday, the Florida Police Benevolent Association told 7News that Officer Ramirez is making progress in his recovery, where he is able to talk and he doesn’t have brain damage but sadly he has lost the function of one of his eyes.
“On the road to recovery, he is doing much better,” said Stahl. “He is speaking I’m being told, doesn’t seem to have any brain damage and they said he lost his eye.”
7News asked Stahl about his thoughts on whether Tampa Police responded and acted appropriately at the time of the incident.
“I don’t know enough about that situation to comment,” said Stahl.
According to the Miami Herald, Director Ramirez made a call to Mayor Cava after the domestic incident at the Marriot and before he shot himself on I-75.
7News asked to interview Mayor Cava about the incident but hasn’t heard back as of Tuesday. Cava is scheduled to address the incident and Director Ramirez’s condition with the media on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
FDLE is leading the investigation into the incident.
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