The Miami-Dade Police Department’s director, Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, underwent surgery in a Tampa area hospital after shooting himself. State law enforcement officials reported that Ramirez is in critical but stable condition. The incident occurred while Ramirez was in Tampa attending a law enforcement conference.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), in collaboration with the Florida Highway Patrol, is conducting an investigation into the shooting. During a press conference, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass revealed that Tampa police had responded to a domestic dispute involving Ramirez and his wife at the hotel where the conference was taking place. Following the altercation, Ramirez left the hotel and later sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Interstate 75 south of Tampa.
Glass acknowledged the demanding and stressful nature of law enforcement careers and recognized Ramirez’s dedication to public service during his nearly 30 years of service with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Glass described the incident as a tragic day for Florida.
Ramirez, a 27-year veteran of the Miami-Dade police force, currently leads the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern United States. In May, he announced his intention to run for the newly-created position of sheriff in 2024, demonstrating his commitment to serving as a leading law enforcement official.
The Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, traveled to Tampa to offer support to Director Ramirez and his family. In the interim, Deputy Director Stephanie Daniels will assume the role of the interim director of the Miami-Dade Police Department.
According to a Tampa police report, officers responded to a call about a man pointing a gun at himself outside the downtown Marriott Waterside hotel. Although no evidence of immediate danger or criminal activity was found, Ramirez was advised that he was free to leave.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed sympathy for Ramirez and his family, urging struggling police officers to seek help. Support for first responders and others is available through resources like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached via phone or text at 988.
For mental health support, individuals can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Local mental health and crisis resources can also be found at dontcallthepolice.com. Additionally, the International Association for Suicide Prevention offers crisis center information for those outside of the U.S.
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