MIAMI, Florida – The wife of Alfredo “Freddy” Ramírez pulled his arm as the Miami-Dade police director attempted suicide, saving his life, according to a family statement released by an attorney.
“Following the seriously upsetting and confusing events they had been through, on the drive home, with both of them still bewildered and distraught, Jody was able to pull on her husband’s arm so that the resulting injury would be serious but not fatal. She saved Freddy’s life,” said the statement sent by attorney Kendall Coffey.
The family’s statement also denied that there had ever been any physical contact between the two during an argument at a Tampa hotel on July 23.
“Jody wants to emphasize strongly that at no time was there even a hint of physical aggression between her and Freddy. There is also not the slightest evidence of any such contact, either from Jody, or from a witness, or from any of the various security cameras operating in the hotel,” he said.
“Furthermore, the reckless allegation that he drew his gun before leaving the hotel that night is false and is not supported by either witnesses or camera footage.”
Ramirez was handcuffed after officers responded to reports of a man holding a gun to his head, but he was released and hours later the chief attempted suicide while driving on a Tampa freeway.
Published reports detail the police response to the alleged incident at the Marriott hotel on July 23, when Ramirez was attending the Florida Sheriffs Association’s annual summer conference.
The statement noted that Ramírez and his wife were “shocked” by the arrival of numerous police officers at their hotel room shortly after 6:30 pm that day.
“It was even more shocking that Freddy was handcuffed. It is clear that being handcuffed is a deeply disturbing event for anyone who experiences it. And especially for a distinguished leader of a law enforcement agency, with an immaculate record of more than 28 years of exemplary service “, he pointed.
Finally, the statement thanked the expression of solidarity with the director of the Miami-Dade police and emphasized the strong ties between the couple and their commitment to stay together as a family.
“This is a strong family anchored in a marriage of 30 years of love and deep love for each other, Jody, Freddy and their four children continue to be a family completely dedicated to each other.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are resources for help. The National Suicide Prevention Line is available 24 hours a day with resources in Spanish at 1-800-273-8255 and offers services including live chat on its website. Click here for more information.
