A quiet Friday afternoon in Florida shattered with a single, devastating act of violence. Deputy Devin Jaramillo, just 27 years old, responded to a routine car crash, unaware he was walking into a confrontation that would claim his life.
Arriving at the scene near Southwest 128th Street, Jaramillo encountered Steven David Rustrian, a 21-year-old involved in the initial collision. An argument erupted, the reason for which remains unclear, quickly escalating into a brutal physical struggle.
The situation spiraled with terrifying speed. Video footage revealed Jaramillo attempting to subdue Rustrian on the ground, a desperate fight unfolding in the grass. In a shocking turn, Rustrian seized Jaramillo’s own weapon and fired multiple times.
Rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, Jaramillo succumbed to his injuries, leaving a community and a department reeling in grief. Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, her voice heavy with emotion, declared the deputy had been “brutally attacked, and he was murdered.”
The loss resonated deeply, prompting an outpouring of sorrow and a unified response from law enforcement. Agencies including the FBI, Florida Highway Patrol, and Coral Gables Police Department converged on the scene, initiating a full investigation.
Roads were closed, the area secured, as investigators pieced together the events that led to this tragic outcome. The investigation revealed Rustrian, who had no prior criminal record in the area, ultimately took his own life following the shooting.
Sheriff Cordero-Stutz expressed the unimaginable pain felt by the entire department, stating, “Today is not OK… today will never be OK.” She implored the community to remember Jaramillo’s family and to offer support during this devastating time.
Deputy Jaramillo, assigned to the Kendall District Station, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day, and the profound impact of violence on those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
