Cesar “Echy” Echaverry, a Miami-Dade Police detective, died on Wednesday two days after he was shot in the head during a gunfight with a robbery suspect, Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez announced. 

“Officer Echaverry died in the line of duty while serving & protecting our community,” Ramirez said in a series of tweets.

“Our law enforcement family will continue to stand beside & support the Echaverry family through this difficult time. We’ll never forget Officer Echaverry’s bravery & sacrifice. Godspeed, brother.”

Also Read: Wildhorse Resort & Casino shooting: At least one shot, suspect taken into custody

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office put out an alert on Monday about an armed robbery. The 29-year-old officer spotted the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to pull him over. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Horton, crashed the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Soon, a shootout erupted in which the suspect was killed and the officer was critically injured. Echaverry was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he succumbed to injuries on Wednesday.

“I know him because the robbery detectives work out at headquarters and I know his smile, I know his heart. I know as a father what it feels like to see a young man like that injured in that fashion in such a violent way,” Ramirez said. 

Also Read: Man fatally shot in Durham, North Carolina; shooting not random, says police

Officer Echaverry had been on the force for five years and was assigned to the Robbery Intervention Detail. Echaverry was a FIU graduate and bike enthusiast.

Also Read: Huntington, Virginia shooting: Man seriously hurt, police searching for suspect

“I am heartbroken to learn of Detective Cesar Echaverry’s death,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement.

“He laid down his life to stop a violent criminal, and we will be forever grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice to our community.”