A United States police chief is in a “stable condition” after undergoing surgery following a “self-inflicted gunshot wound”.
Police say Miami-Dada County Police director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez was involved in a suspected altercation at the Marriott Waterside hotel in Tampa. No arrests were made at the scene but the high-ranking officer was asked to leave.
Police believe Ramirez was later driving south on I-75 when he pulled-off the road and stopped his vehicle. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says it is then Ramirez reportedly shot himself.
He suffered “serious injuries” and remains in a “critical but stable condition,” said commissioner Mark Glass. Miami-Dade County Police say Ramirez will now begin the “road to recovery”.
Addressing 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.”
Commissioner Glass said investigations are on-going and involve a number of law enforcement agencies in the area. He added: “Today is a tragic day in Florida and the law enforcement community stands with Director Ramirez and his family during this difficult time.”
Daniella Levine Cava, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, has reportedly travelled to be with Ramirez. She said: “We’re grateful to learn that Chief Ramirez is stable following this afternoon’s surgery — and we are so thankful for the outpouring of support for the Ramirez family during this difficult moment.”
While the Miami-Dade Police Department added: “We thank the community and the extended MDPD family for their prayers and support. Director Ramirez will begin his road to recovery surrounded by his family.”
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