TAMPA, FL – Tampa Police are actively investigating a series of violent incidents on the evening of January 26, 2025, that culminated in a fatal officer-involved shooting. The suspect, 48-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, was involved in multiple hit-and-run accidents across South Tampa, resulting in three injuries and one fatality.
Details of the Incident
At 8:35 p.m., Tampa Police received reports of Bailey’s erratic behavior, which began with an altercation at a Dollar General store. After blocking the vehicle of 47-year-old Eric Archield in the store’s parking lot, Bailey followed Archield to a nearby residence and intentionally struck him with his vehicle. A brief exchange of gunfire occurred when Archield’s friend attempted to deter Bailey, but Bailey fled the scene. Archield sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site.
Juan Acevedo Death & Obituary: 12-Year-Old Boy Found Deceased in Virginia Beach Pond
Bailey’s reckless actions continued as he drove northbound on MacDill Avenue near Interbay Boulevard, where he veered off the road and struck 43-year-old Jesse Rickett, causing severe head injuries. Rickett was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition.
Shortly after, Bailey struck and fatally injured an unidentified adult Hispanic male walking in the 5800 block of Interbay Boulevard. Efforts to identify the pedestrian and notify next of kin are ongoing.
Hit-and-Run Continued: Officers Pursue Bailey
At approximately 9:00 p.m., a Tampa Police officer observed Bailey removing a bicycle from the trunk of his car. When the officer ordered him to stop, Bailey discarded the bicycle, reentered his vehicle, and fled at high speed.
Bailey continued his reckless behavior, hitting 41-year-old Timothy Harden near West Shore Boulevard and Lemon Street, while he was crossing the street with his wife. Harden was transported to the hospital for evaluation, while his wife was unharmed.
Officer-Involved Shooting and Death of Bailey
Tampa Police officers quickly located Bailey’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit onto Interstate 275 northbound. The officers successfully performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop Bailey’s vehicle. Despite multiple commands to show his hands, Bailey made a motion that led officers to believe their lives were in imminent danger, prompting them to fire at him.
Bailey was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. No firearm was found on Bailey or inside his vehicle, but searches of the areas he traveled remain ongoing.
Officers Injured and Investigation Underway
During the incident, seven officers discharged their firearms. Three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, likely from ricochets or debris. These officers have been identified as:
- Sergeant Joe Ltief, White male, 10+ years with Tampa Police
- Officer Rachel Carr, White female, 5+ years with Tampa Police
- Officer Joseph Barry, White male, 4 years with Tampa Police
The injured officers were treated at a local hospital and have since been released.
Investigation and Community Response
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. All officers involved have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Tampa Police detectives continue to investigate the hit-and-run incidents and Bailey’s motives.
Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor Bercaw commented, “This video footage highlights the heroic efforts made by our officers to stop an ongoing and dangerous threat to our community. Our thoughts remain with the victims affected by these heinous acts, and our Victim Advocate Unit is providing necessary support and resources.”
Conclusion: Seeking Community Assistance
Tampa Police are urging anyone with additional information related to these incidents to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the victims, including the pedestrian who lost their life and those injured by Bailey’s actions. The community remains in shock as the tragic events unfold, and law enforcement continues to seek justice for the affected families.