DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Another heartbreaking day has fallen over Dade County as law enforcement officers, families, and residents mourn the devastating loss of Deputy Devin Jaramillo, a 27-year-old deputy with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) who was shot and killed in an ambush after responding to what initially appeared to be a routine traffic crash on Thursday evening.
Authorities say Deputy Jaramillo, a dedicated law enforcement officer known for his compassion and professionalism, was tragically gunned down in the line of duty shortly after arriving at the scene near Southwest 184th Street and U.S. Highway 1. Investigators believe the crash may have been staged to lure officers into an ambush, marking one of the darkest and most senseless attacks on local law enforcement in recent memory.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Jaramillo and another responding deputy approached two vehicles involved in what appeared to be a minor collision. As Jaramillo began to assess the situation, an unidentified suspect opened fire without warning, striking him multiple times. Despite the efforts of his partner and emergency medical personnel, Deputy Jaramillo succumbed to his injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The suspect fled the scene but was later shot and killed during a confrontation with pursuing officers after a brief manhunt that ended in the Cutler Bay area. The investigation, now led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the deadly ambush.
“This is a devastating loss for our department and for all of Miami-Dade County,” said Sheriff Raul Martinez, his voice breaking with emotion during a late-night press briefing. “Deputy Jaramillo was a young man of integrity, courage, and service. He wore the badge with pride and gave his life protecting others. Tonight, our entire community grieves.”
Deputy Jaramillo had served with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for just over four years, earning the respect of his peers for his dedication to community policing and his calm, compassionate approach to those in crisis. Before joining the force, he graduated from Florida International University, where he studied criminal justice, inspired by his father, a retired firefighter.
Friends and colleagues described Jaramillo as “a light in the department,” known for his warm smile, quick wit, and unshakeable commitment to helping others. “He was the kind of deputy who treated everyone with respect—no matter who they were,” said fellow Deputy Carlos Rivera. “He made us all better just by being around him.”
The Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association has announced that a fund has been established to support Deputy Jaramillo’s family, including his fiancée, Emily Torres, whom he was set to marry next spring. “He was building a beautiful life,” Torres said in a brief statement shared through family representatives. “He was my best friend, my hero, and my heart. I don’t know how to go on without him.”
The tragic loss of Deputy Jaramillo has sent shockwaves throughout the law enforcement community across Florida. Police departments from Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and beyond have shared messages of solidarity and sorrow. Blue ribbons now line the fences outside MDSO headquarters, and patrol cars have been draped with black bands in his honor.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also released a statement Friday morning:
“Deputy Devin Jaramillo made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. His courage and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten. Casey and I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and all who mourn this tragic loss.”
A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening outside the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, where community members will gather to honor Deputy Jaramillo’s memory. Plans for a public memorial service and full honors funeral are expected to be announced in the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the pain across Dade County is palpable. For many, Deputy Jaramillo’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day—and the deep bond that ties a community to those who vow to protect it.
“Devin represented the best of us,” said Sheriff Martinez. “He was brave, selfless, and kind. Though his watch has ended, his spirit will live on in every deputy who continues to serve. We will never forget him.”
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