Miami-Dade Police Department Holds Blood Drive, Vigil For Officer Involved In Motorcycle Crash
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Law enforcement officials, pastors and community members came together for a vigil at the Miami-Dade Police Department's Northside station to pray for an officer that was involved in a motorcycle accident on Sunday.
The vigil was held in addition to a blood drive at the Northside station for Maj. Ricky Carter, as well as 26-year-old Miami Police Officer Carlos Gomez, who was injured in a crash early Monday morning.
Three other blood drives were held throughout the county for the officers.
Carter, a major at the Northside Police station and 21-year veteran, was traveling southbound on I-75 just north of Miami Gardens Dr. when he slid off the highway and smashed into a guardrail Sunday morning.
Miami-Dade Police said Carter was off-duty and on his personal Suzuki motorcycle.
"We don't know if our officer lost control, something else occurred with the motorcycle that caused him to hit the guard rail, but we do know that there were no other vehicles involved," said Miami-Dade Police Department Det. Robin Pinkard.
Carter was participating in a fundraising event called Cops Ride for Kids, headed to Islamorada, raising money for surviving children of fallen officers.
"The family, and all of us in the Miami-Dade family, would like to please pray for him and his family for the best possible outcome," said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose 'Pepe' Diaz.
Miami-Dade Police released the following statement early Sunday afternoon.
"The entire Miami-Dade Police Department is keeping Major Ricky Carter in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We ask that he and his family be given the privacy they need throughout this critical stage. Additional information including how you may be able to help will be provided as early as tomorrow."
Miami-Dade Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the crash.
Police said Maj. Carter and Officer Gomez both remain in critical condition. The Miami Police Department plans to hold a blood drive for both men at its headquarters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
