Miami Police Director Hospitalized After Self-Inflicted Shooting Near Tampa
TAMPA, Fla. – Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III, director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, is in critical condition after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while attending a sheriffs’ conference near Tampa on Tuesday.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting along Interstate 75, Sunday 6.30 evening. Where Ramirez, 52, was found alone suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound believed to be self-inflicted, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Ramirez was rushed to Tampa General Hospital where he remains in critical condition as of Monday. Investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting but indicate a domestic dispute may have preceded the incident.
A law enforcement veteran of over decades of service experience, Ramirez was appointed as director of the Miami-Dade Police Department in 2020 after working his way up through the ranks. He is widely respected in the South Florida community for his leadership and dedication to public service.
Friends and colleagues expressed shock over the news, praising Ramirez as a thoughtful and charismatic figure devoted to his officers. He championed several progressive policing initiatives during his tenure, including implicit bias and de-escalation training.
While the circumstances remain unclear, Ramirez’s self-inflicted injury highlights ongoing concerns about mental health strain among first responders. It also underscores the persisting stigma surrounding mental health issues that can deter people from seeking help.
Authorities continue to investigate shooting but maintain it appears isolated. The Miami-Dade Police Department said Ramirez and his family will receive their full support. Colleagues encourage anyone struggling to reach out for assistance.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
ncG1vNJzZminqJyusb%2BNqKmgZ52erq61jKmmpaGTmnqltdGemq2nomKzs7HDnbBmqpGitrOx2Waaq6GknrCiuMuyZKKmmqq%2FprCMoqVmmaClrrOxza1krJ2cm3qqusWloJyslZl6tLTOqKuippdk