Dates: December 8, 1992 – August 17, 2022
The Tragedy:
Detective Cesar Echaverry lost his life due to gunshot injuries sustained on August 15, 2022, two nights prior to his death.
The incident began when a vehicle, previously involved in an armed robbery in Dania Beach earlier that evening, was spotted in Miami-Dade. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, leading to a high-speed chase that ended with the vehicle crashing into a light pole. The driver then exited the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. Detective Echaverry, alongside fellow officers, pursued. Tragically, the suspect opened fire, striking Echaverry before being fatally wounded by return fire. He was immediately rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, but he passed away the following evening.
Detective Echaverry had faithfully served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for five years, dedicating his service to the Robbery Intervention Detail. He is survived by his parents, sibling, and fiancée.
More info:
calleochonews : Detective shot and killed
The Service:
Hudnreds of law enforcement members from across the state joined alongside Echaverry’s family and friends to pay tribute to the fallen officer in Loan Depot Park.
Echaverry’s sister, Sandra, spoke highly of her younger brother, “There are no words that can truly honor your existence. You were a hero in my eyes from a very young age. I cried when you were born, and I cried as you left this world. You were my smile in the midst of my confusions. You looked up to me and I looked up to you. I admired your great heart, your discipline and your strength and courage.”
His fiancée, Stephanie Vargas, recalled how they met in seventh grade and had been in love ever since, “Cesar was the man I always hoped I would marry. His love for me and his family was unconditional.”
The service concluded with a 21-gun salute, taps, and an end of watch call. Echaverry was then transported to Miami Airport where his body was flown back to Nicaragua to be buried.
A year after his death, the community continued to honor Echaverry’s memory by holding a school supply drive in his name with plans to send supplies to Nicaragua, where he was born. Additionally, Miami-Dade Police Department Director renamed a section of road that Echaverry traveled daily to be known as “Officer Cesar ‘Echy’ Echaverry Jr. Way.”
More info:
miamidade : Fallen recalled as a brave hero
cbsnews: Hundreds attend memorial service
cbsnews : Fallen Miami-Dade Officer honored with back to school supply drive
local10 : Street renamed after fallen Officer
The Justice:
The man who killed Detective Echaverry was identified as Jeremy Horton. During the same incident that led to Echaverry’s death, Horton was killed on the scene by returning police fire. Horton had an extensive criminal history including armed robber and domestic violence.
More info:
nbcmiami : Miami-Dade Detective fights for life after shooting
Delivery:
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