TAMPA — Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez is recovering in a Tampa hospital following surgery.               

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Monday evening that Ramirez appears to have shot himself Sunday evening during an event in the Bay area.

Officials tell Spectrum News that Tampa police responded to a possible domestic dispute involving Ramirez at the JW Marriot on Tampa Street.

Ramirez was there attending the Florida Sheriff's Association Summer Conference.

No arrests were made, and FDLE says Ramirez left the hotel and pulled over on Interstate 75, where the shooting happened.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay says statistics show suicide attempts are 10 times higher among first responders than the general population.

Its "first responder hope line" is meant to connect them to resources.

“There's no problem too big or too little, and that's really what is so important for anybody to hear,” said Clara Reynolds, Crisis Center of Tampa president and CEO. “Your issue is real, and it's yours. It's so important that if you're struggling, reach out and ask for help."

The first responder hope line can be reached at 1-866-4FL-HERO.

Miami-Dade police are asking for privacy for Ramirez and his family during this time.