The director overseeing Miami-Dade Police Department, the largest police department in the Southeast, was involved in a domestic dispute Sunday night after which he shot himself on the side of the highway near Tampa, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokesperson.
MDPD Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III is undergoing a second surgery to treat injuries, according to a MDPD spokesperson.
Tampa Police said they responded to a report of a male with a gun outside the Marriott Waterside hotel shortly after 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Initial interviews indicated that the man had been pointing the gun at himself, but police could not find witnesses or security footage to corroborate the story.
Police found the man reported, later confirmed as Ramirez, inside the hotel with an unidentified woman, according to the police statement. Ramirez admitted to having an argument with the woman but denied showing a firearm or having any intention to harm himself or others.
The woman said she did not fear for her safety, according to police, at which point Ramirez was released.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the incident that led to Ramirez's injuries, which occurred South of Tampa on I-75, said the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. No one else was injured, officials said.
As reported by the Miami Herald, Ramirez was in Tampa to attend the Florida Sheriff’s Association summer conference with his wife.
MDPD released a brief statement Tuesday afternoon stating that Ramirez is in his second surgery for his injuries. "The entire Miami-Dade Police Department stands together behind Freddy and asks that our community continue to keep him in their prayers."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 any time day or night, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami-Dade Police Director 'Freddy' Ramirez shot himself, in surgery