The family of Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III, 52, the director of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) released a statement on Monday disputing witness claims that he pulled a gun out at a Tampa hotel last month before he later suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The statement, attributed to Ramirez and his wife Jody, said the claims were "damaging and hurtful misinformation."
"Jody strongly wishes to emphasize that at no time was there even a hint of physical aggression between her and Freddy. Nor is there the slightest evidence of such contact - not from Jody, not from a witness and not from any of the various security cameras operating throughout the hotel," the statement said.
On July 23, Tampa Police responded to the waterside Marriott in Tampa about a possible domestic dispute involving Ramirez and his wife. Tampa Police said officers were given third-hand information which alleged Ramirez pointed a gun at himself.
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Tampa Police said there was no security footage or first-hand accounts that supported the information. Around 6:50 p.m., the officers went to Ramirez's hotel room, where the director was with his wife.
Officers talked to Ramirez, who told them he and his wife had been arguing. He denied pulling out a gun, police said, and told them he was no intention of harming himself or others. Jody Ramirez told police she didn't fear for her safety and confirmed they had argued.
TPD said there was no evidence of a crime or immediate danger, so Ramirez was released from the scene.
The couple left the hotel and went back to Miami, according to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said Ramirez pulled over on I-75 shortly after they left the hotel, where he suffered the self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The statement released Monday said, "Jody was able to grab her husband’s arm so that the resulting injury was serious but not fatal. She saved Freddy’s life."
The statement said Jody Ramirez will not comment on the incident and will continue to stay dedicated to her husband's recovery, "looking forward to the moment when they will walk out of the hospital together."
Help is available 24 hours a day through 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Read the statement in full below.
"Jody and Freddy Ramirez want to express their deepest and heartfelt appreciation to the many who have sent messages of support and best wishes for Freddy’s speedy recovery. This outpouring of care and concern has meant everything to their family at this difficult time and continues to contribute to Freddy’s healing.
While the family’s focus is upon Freddy’s recovery, it is appropriate to address damaging and hurtful misinformation that has been repeated in various media reports concerning the events of the evening of July 23rd.
Jody strongly wishes to emphasize that at no time was there even a hint of physical aggression between her and Freddy. Nor is there the slightest evidence of such contact - not from Jody, not from a witness and not from any of the various security cameras operating throughout the hotel. Further, the reckless allegation that he took out his gun prior to checking out from the hotel that evening is false and unsupported by either witnesses or camera footage. It is hoped that the media will be cautious about reporting on this subject, not only out of respect for their family, but because the public deserves to know the truth rather than sensational and unsubstantiated falsities.
Both Jody and Freddy were shocked by the sudden arrival of numerous police officers shortly after 6:30 on that Sunday evening. It was even more shocking that Freddy was put in handcuffs. It is evident that being placed in handcuffs is a profoundly disturbing event for any who experiences it. It was especially so for such a distinguished leader of law-enforcement, with an unblemished record of more than 28 years of exemplary service in protecting the public. Afterwards, shortly after local police left their hotel room, Jody and Freddy decided to leave for home and put a bad night’s experience behind them. After the seriously troubling and confusing events that had befallen them, during the drive home, with both still bewildered and distraught, Jody was able to grab her husband’s arm so that the resulting injury was serious but not fatal. She saved Freddy’s life.
This is a strong family anchored on a 30-year marriage of love and deep mutual respect. Jody, Freddy and their four children continue to be a family utterly devoted to each other. Jody is respectfully requesting that their sisters and brothers in law enforcement, as well as members of the public, appreciate what an extraordinarily painful and challenging time this has been. She will not be commenting and will remain dedicated to Freddy’s recovery, looking forward to the moment when they will walk out of the hospital together."
