Miami-Dade Police Dept. Director Freddy Ramirez suffers ‘critical injury’

TAMPA, Fla – Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez has been hospitalized in the Tampa area, the police department confirmed early Monday morning.

The Miami-Dade Police Department has issued the following statement:

“We have been advised by local law enforcement agencies that our Director, Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Ramirez, has suffered a critical injury in the Tampa area. We understand he is currently undergoing surgery. We ask you to please keep him in your prayers. Details surrounding the incident are being investigated jointly by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. We will provide information as it becomes available.”

Ramirez, who has 27 years of law enforcement experience, rose through the ranks of the Miami-Dade Police Department, currently serving in a dual role under Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s administration as director of the Miami-Dade Police Department and chief of Safety and Emergency Response, which are responsible for both the oversight of the police department and fire department.

Back in May, Ramirez, 52, had also made known his intention to run for county sheriff in Miami-Dade County.

He was in the Tampa area attending a law enforcement conference, but further information about what occurred has not been released.

Local 10 News has a crew headed to Tampa to gather more details.

Law enforcement officials react

Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss released a statement Monday morning, saying his department is praying for the police director, his family and his department.

This is a developing story. Stay with Local 10 News and Local10.com for updates.