The director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, Alfredo «Freddy» Ramírez, is shot himself in the head on a Florida highway after an argument with his wife, authorities said Monday.
Deputies responded early Sunday night to the Florida Sheriff’s Association Summer Conference in Tampa where «A man had pointed a gun at himself,» police said in a statement.
When officers arrived on the 12th floor of the Marriott Westside, Ramirez, 52, he told them he was not a danger to himself or others, and was later «released at the scene,» Tampa police said.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office described that encounter as a domestic dispute between Ramirez and his wife.
But shortly after that incident, Ramirez went on the run and shot himself in the head, the sheriff said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement saying the incident occurred on I-75, south of Tampa.
The shooting occurred in the couple’s car, with Ramirez’s wife present before calling 911, NBC Miami reported, citing a law enforcement source.
«The entire Miami-Dade Police Department is united behind Freddy and asks that our community continue to keep him in their prayers.» his department said in a statement.
He was in surgery Monday afternoon, police said.
«He probably has a long road ahead of him, a lot of surgeries, but he’s going to survive,» Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters in Tampa.
US Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who will also attend the law enforcement conference in Tampa, praised Ramirez.
«You couldn’t ask for a more respectful person, someone who cares about others and wants to do a good job,» said Scott, a former governor.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit TalkingSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.