MIAMI (WSVN) — Two days after an exchange of fire with an armed robbery suspect in Liberty City, officials have confirmed that the officer involved is dead.
Officials told 7News on Wednesday that Cesar Echaverry, 29, died of his injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
On Monday night, a suspect rammed his vehicle into a police cruiser and another car near Liberty City as he tried to flee from investigating detectives armed robbery reportedaccording to Miami-Dade police.
The officer was shot after an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect in the area of Northwest Seventh Avenue and 62nd Street. Echaverry was transported to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
The suspected armed robber was shot on the spot. He was identified as Jeremy Horton.
After Echaverry was transported, the law enforcement community waited outside the hospital to support and pray for their colleague.
On Wednesday evening, 7News cameras captured a sign posted outside JMH that shows the American flag in the shape of Florida with the thin blue lines. It reads, “Thank you for your service.”
MDPD director Alfredo Ramirez released a statement on Twitter, announcing Echaverry’s passing:
In another tweet, Ramirez saluted the bravery of Echavery, writing, “Officer Echaverry died in the line of duty while serving and protecting our community. Our law enforcement family will continue to support and support the Echaverry family during this difficult time. We will never forget the bravery and sacrifice of Officer Echaverry. Good luck, brother.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released the following statement following Echevarry’s passing:
“I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Detective Cesar Echaverry. He sacrificed his life to stop a violent criminal, and we will be forever grateful to him for his selfless service and sacrifice to our community. Echy, as he was affectionately known to his police family, will be remembered for his courage, sense of duty and unwavering dedication to keeping our residents safe.
She went on to praise the 5-year veteran’s work with MDPD’s Robbery Intervention Detail.
“I ask our entire community to raise their family, loved ones and our police department in prayer as they go through an unthinkable tragedy,” she continued. “We thank Echy’s parents for raising a hero and we hold them together in their grief. Our county is safer today because of the bravery of Detective Echaverry – a sacrifice we will never forget.
Miami police also took to Twitter to pay homage to Echevarrywriting, “
Our sincere condolences on the passing of @MiamiDadePD Ofc Echaverry, a hero who sacrificed his life protecting the county he loved – @MiamiPD thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @MiamiDadePD may he rest in peace.
In another tweetMiami Beach Police officials wrote, “We are incredibly saddened by the loss of @MiamiDadePD Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry. Our prayers go out to his family and the entire MDPD family.
Sweetwater Police too expressed their condolences. Officials wrote: ‘We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Officer Cesar Echaverry. Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends, @miamidadepd and our law enforcement community. Rest in peace bro, we’ll take it from here.
A spokesperson for Miramar Police wrote, “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of @MiamiDadePD Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
Cameras showed the flags in front of the Doral Police Department building in Doral lowered to half mast in honor of Echaverry.
Cameras showed officers from various police departments, including the MDPD and Miami City Police, parking near the Ryder Trauma Center. They were seen entering the hospital shortly afterwards.
A procession is expected to bring the officer’s body to the Miami-Dade medical examiner’s office. Miami-Dade police officers said they were monitoring the area to determine how they would proceed. They did not specify when the motorcade would take place.
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