The head of Florida’s largest police department, Miami-Dade County, is in critical condition at a state hospital after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 24, following a domestic dispute between Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez and his wife, Jody, at a JW Marriott hotel in Tampa during a sheriffs’ association conference.
Tampa police responded to a call about a couple arguing and a man with a gun, later identified as Ramirez. After assessing the situation and finding no evidence of an immediate threat, officers left the scene. However, after leaving the hotel, Ramirez, 52, pulled over on Interstate 75 and shot himself in the head. His wife immediately called 911, and Ramirez was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Chad Chronister, the Hillsborough County sheriff, confirmed that it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and Ramirez is expected to survive. He emphasized the importance of mental health support and compassion for their colleague in crisis.
The Florida highway patrol and state department of law enforcement launched an investigation into the incident, stating that there was no threat to the community.
Officer Ramirez, who has served in the agency for 27 years and currently holds the position of Miami-Dade police director and county safety and emergency response chief, was appointed in January 2020. He had filed paperwork to run for sheriff of Miami-Dade County in 2024. The county was making changes to its law enforcement system, transitioning from an appointed to an elected position.
The incident occurred on the first day of the Florida Sheriffs Association’s summer conference, attended by over 500 law enforcement leaders from across the country. Ramirez’s critical condition has deeply impacted his colleagues.
