HAINES CITY, Fla. – A GoFundMe page has been set up for Haines City Police Officer Jose Ramirez who was critically injured in the line of duty Saturday.
Officers Jose Ramirez and Gedrick Vargas were conducting a traffic stop on Saturday at approximately 5:21 p.m. when 19-year-old Robert Lee Smith Ill pointed a rifle at the officers and fled the scene in a black Toyota.
Haines City Police Officers Ramirez and Vargas attempted to apprehend the fleeing vehicle but their patrol car was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of E. Johnson Avenue and Power Line Road.
Officer Ramirez was transported to the hospital by helicopter due to the severity of his injuries.
The GoFundMe organizer said, “Officer Ramirez is currently in the intensive care unit suffering from a broken arm, facial injuries, as well as a brain bleed. He underwent surgery this morning and is currently in critical, but stable condition in the intensive care unit.”
“Officer Ramirez has a long road to recovery and will be losing out on overtime and details that many officers depend on to make ends meet. Over the next several months he will be facing many hurdles on his road to recovery and we would like to be able to ease his mind as he works his way back to full duty. Prayers are requested and monetary donations are appreciated and will assist him greatly during this time,” said the fundraiser organizer Michelle Gonzalez.
To view the fundraiser and help Officer Ramirez click here to be redirected to the page.
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