Off-Duty Officer Seriously Hurt In Motorcycle Crash

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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – Authorities are investigating what caused a Miami-Dade Police officer to crash his motorcycle along the highway, leaving him in critical condition.

It happened around 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning in the southbound lanes of I-75, near the on-ramp for the Miami Gardens Drive exit.

Maj. Ricky Carter, a 21-year veteran working for the Northside District, was off-duty when his motorcycle slid off the roadway and struck a guardrail "for unknown reasons."

Officials believe Maj. Carter was participating in a fundraising event called Cops Ride for Kids, headed to Islamorada, raising money for surviving children of fallen officers.

"Seems to be, at this time, no impact from another vehicle," said MDPD Det. Robin Pinkard. "We don't know if our officer lost control or something else occurred, maybe with the motorcycle, that caused him to, you know, hit the guard rail. But we do know there were no other vehicles involved."

Maj. Carter was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, surrounded by colleagues and family. Reports indicate he may have lost a leg.

"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.