Tampa, FL (January 27, 2025) – Tampa Police are investigating a violent spree that spanned South Tampa on Sunday night, culminating in a fatal officer-involved shooting. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, caused multiple hit-and-run incidents, injuring three individuals and killing one. Bailey, who had an extensive criminal history, was released from prison in October 2022.
The rampage began at 8:35 p.m. with an altercation in a Dollar General parking lot, where Bailey blocked and later followed 47-year-old Eric Archield. Bailey struck Archield with his vehicle outside a nearby residence, prompting a bystander to fire a warning shot. Archield sustained minor injuries.
Bailey’s reckless driving continued, with witnesses reporting him intentionally striking pedestrians. At a Mobil Gas Station, he critically injured 43-year-old Jesse Rickett. Shortly after, Bailey fatally struck an unidentified Hispanic male on Interbay Boulevard. Efforts to notify the victim’s next of kin are ongoing.
Around 9 p.m., a Tampa officer spotted Bailey removing a bicycle from his trunk. When confronted, Bailey fled, striking 41-year-old Timothy Harden on West Shore Boulevard. Harden was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while his wife escaped harm.
Police pursued Bailey onto Interstate 275, where a PIT maneuver stopped his vehicle. Despite officers’ commands, Bailey made a threatening motion, leading to gunfire from seven officers. Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene. No weapon was found on him or in his vehicle, though searches of nearby areas continue.
Seven officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave per protocol. Three officers sustained minor injuries during the incident and have since been released from the hospital. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the shooting, while Tampa Police continue to examine Bailey’s motives.
“This was a dangerous and tragic series of events,” said Chief Bercaw. “Our officers acted heroically to protect the public from further harm, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130 or submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.