Who is Alfredo 'Freddy' Ramirez? Miami police chief undergoes surgery following 'self-inflicted gunshot wound'
TAMPA, FLORIDA: Miami-Dade County Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez is currently in "stable condition" after undergoing emergency surgery for a "self-inflicted gunshot wound." The incident took place at the Marriott Waterside hotel in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, July 24, and is suspected to have occurred during an altercation.
Police responded to the scene and, while no arrests were made, Director Ramirez was asked to leave the premises due to the situation. The incident has sparked concerns and led to an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident involving the high-ranking police chief.
FDLE and FHP are investigating an incident involving Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez last night on I-75 South of Tampa. FDLE Agents and Troopers were on scene and will continue conducting investigative interviews today. Director Ramirez is hospitalized. Updates to come pic.twitter.com/JKFTXag1Zx
— FDLE (@fdlepio) July 24, 2023
Who is Alfredo 'Freddy' Ramirez?
Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III has dedicated over 25 years to law enforcement. He has been the Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) since January 2020. Ramirez prioritizes community safety, addressing gun violence, and officer wellness. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Miami and has completed multiple leadership programs. Ramirez is involved in various law enforcement associations and is the President of the Police Officer Assistance Trust.
Ramirez directly supervised Departmental, Investigative, and Police Services, among other sections. He also oversaw the North and South Operations Divisions, and the Criminal and Special Investigations Divisions in his role as Assistant Director of Police Services and Investigative Services. Additionally, as the Criminal Investigations Division Chief, he managed various bureaus and support sections, including the Homicide, Robbery, Special Victims, and Forensic Services Bureaus. During his rank as Major, he successfully implemented the North-End Street Violence Task Force, extending its reach to the south-end of Miami-Dade County and permanently integrating it into the Homicide Bureau.
'No one else was injured during the incident'
After the incident at the Marriott Waterside hotel in Tampa, police believe that Ramirez continued driving south on I-75 before pulling off the road and stopping his vehicle. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, it was at this point that Ramirez shot himself. As a result of the self-inflicted gunshot wound, Ramirez sustained "serious injuries" and is currently in a "critical but stable condition," as confirmed by Commissioner Mark Glass, per Express News. However, authorities are optimistic and have stated that he will now begin the "road to recovery."
In a press conference, Commissioner Glass said, "Tampa PD was called to the Tampa Waterside Marriott about a possible domestic dispute involving Director Ramirez who was in Tampa for a conference. No arrests were made and Director Ramirez left the hotel travelling along Interstate 75, shortly thereafter he pulled off to the side of the road. The preliminary investigation shows Director Ramirez suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No one else was injured during the incident."