MIAMI (AP)- Cesar “Echy” Echaverry, a 29-year-old Miami-Dade police officer was shot in the head while pursuing a robbery suspect in Miami on Monday night. He was rushed to Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital where he passed away on Wednesday evening.
The Miami-Dade Police Department has announced the untimely and tragic passing of Cesar Echaverry today. Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said Echaverry passed away after “a brief battle for his life.”
Detective Cesar Echaverry was shot two days ago as he and other officers closed in a suspect wanted for an earlier robbery in nearby Broward County, the police revealed. However, the suspect shot the police officer in an attempt to escape.
Echaverry’s family had remained by his side at the Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Miami-Dade Police Department Pays Tribute to Cesar Echaverry
Miami-Dade Police Department Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez posted a heartfelt tweet announcing Echaverry’s passing.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Officer Cesar "Echy" Echaverry. Surrounded by loved ones, Echy succumbed to his injuries after a brief battle for his life. pic.twitter.com/gue5oQZwug
— Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@AFreddyRamirez) August 17, 2022
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Surrounded by loved ones, Echy succumbed to his injuries after a brief battle for his life. Officer Echaverry died in the line of duty while serving and protecting our community,” he added.
Processions to pay respect to the late police officer will take place soon. The details about his funeral are awaited at the time of writing.
Who was Cesar “Echy” Echaverry?
Cesar “Echy” Echaverry was a member of Miami-Dade Police’s Robbery Intervention Detail. RID is a special unit that works in crime-ridden neighborhoods. Cesar served at the MDPD as a police officer for five years.
He was a beloved son, brother, and fiancé. He was a Florida International University graduate. Echaverry was a bike enthusiast who was seen with his machines in the leisure time. He loved his job with the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The brave police officer died at the age of only 29 years after succumbing to injuries received in a chase. He was shot in the head by an armed robbery suspect. He was rushed to the Jackson Memorial Hospital but passed away two days after being shot.
A large gathering of law enforcement officers was at the hospital at the time of his death showing respect and support to his family. Miami Marlins also wore a team dedicated jersey with the number nine etched on the back to honor Echaverry’s sacrifice.
The shooting that led to his demise wasn’t his first meeting with death. He was a passenger in a a police vehicle that rammed into another car killing a 45-year-old driver in March 2018. The report revealed that the vehicle was moving at 78mph and was driven by officer John Song.
Cesar Echaverry has become the first officer shot and killed in the line of duty under both Mayor Cava and Director Ramirez. He is also the first South Florida police officer killed since Hollywood police officer Yandy Chirino was shot dead in October 2021.
A Memorial Service will take place to honor Cesar Echaverry’s Sacrifice
Miami is going to host a memorial service to honor the late officer Cesar Echaverry’s sacrifice. His name will be carved onto a limestone wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.
I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of Miami-Dade County Officer, Cesar “Echy” Echaverry, who died in the line of duty while protecting and serving his community. Viviana and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/jy4SVyKkdE
— Esteban Bovo (@MayorBovo) August 18, 2022
Miami-Date Mayor Daniella Cava was also heartbroken over the incident and spent time with Echaverry’s family at the Jackson Memorial Hospital.
“He laid down his life to stop a violent criminal and we will be forever grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice to our community,” she said in a statement.
“Echy, as he was lovingly known to his police family, will be remembered always for his courage, his sense of duty and his unwavering dedication to keeping our residents safe.
She concluded her statement with praise for Echaverry’s sacrifice, “Our county is safer because of his bravery…a sacrifice we will never forget.”
The Robbery Suspect and Echaverry’s Killer, Jeremy Horton, was shot dead at the scene
Jeremy Horton, 32, from Acworth, Georgia, has been identified as the robbery suspect was shot dead at the scene. He was a suspect in an armed robbery of a convenience store in Dania Beach.
He had also been stopped in South Florida on August 8, 2022, and cited for having no proof of insurance and driving with an expired tag and a suspended Georgia’s driver’s license as per Golden Beach Police Chief Rudy Herbello’s statement.
Detective Cesar Echaverry was chasing Horton and another suspect on his vehicle with another officer. The suspect rammed into the police vehicles and a civilian vehic with three occupants who were later hospitalized in stable condition.
Horton then tried escaping on foot but a confrontation and gunfire ensued. Echaverry was then shot in the head and rushed to the hospital. The police then shot Horton in retaliation fire and later tracked and killed the second suspect near the Miami Springs hotel.
Our deepest condolences go out to the young man and his family. May God let the departed soul rest in peace and offer strength to his loved ones in the tough times.