Tampa Police Officer-Involved Shooting: TAMPA, FL – Tampa Police are investigating a tragic sequence of events on the evening of January 26, 2025, which led to the fatal shooting of 48-year-old suspect Jeremiah Bailey following a series of hit-and-run incidents across South Tampa. The incident resulted in several injuries and one fatality.
Timeline of Events Leading to Officer-Involved Shooting
Bailey, with a criminal history that includes charges of Battery on Law Enforcement Officers and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, was reported to have been involved in multiple incidents during the evening.
At 8:35 p.m., Bailey’s erratic behavior began at a Dollar General store parking lot, where he blocked the vehicle of 47-year-old Eric Archield. After a brief confrontation, Bailey followed Archield and struck him with his vehicle at a nearby residence. Archield sustained minor injuries, and Bailey fled the scene.
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Bailey’s reckless actions continued as he drove northbound on MacDill Avenue. Witnesses reported that Bailey intentionally struck 43-year-old Jesse Rickett near a Mobil Gas Station. Rickett was transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition.
Shortly afterward, Bailey struck and fatally injured an unidentified adult male pedestrian in the 5800 block of Interbay Boulevard. His identity is still pending, and authorities are working to notify next of kin.
Bailey’s reckless driving didn’t end there—he later struck 41-year-old Timothy Harden, causing minor injuries. Despite multiple attempts to locate Bailey, police were able to initiate a pursuit, culminating in an officer-involved shooting.
Officer-Involved Shooting and Suspect’s Death
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Tampa Police officers tracked Bailey to Wyoming Avenue, where they attempted to stop him. After Bailey fled at high speed, officers used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle on Interstate 275 northbound.
Bailey’s failure to comply with police commands and a motion that suggested a potential threat led officers to believe their lives were in imminent danger, prompting them to open fire. Bailey was struck by gunfire and later pronounced deceased at the scene. No firearm was found in his possession or vehicle.
Officers Injured During the Incident
During the incident, three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, likely from ricochets or debris. They were treated at a local hospital and have since been released. The seven officers who discharged their firearms have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Investigation and Next Steps
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while Tampa Police detectives continue to investigate the hit-and-run incidents. The motives behind Bailey’s actions are under scrutiny, and authorities are working to gather further details.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims affected by these heinous acts, and our Victim Advocate Unit is providing necessary support and resources,” stated Tampa Police Chief Bercaw.
Conclusion: A Community on Edge
This series of tragic events highlights the dangers faced by both law enforcement and the community. As investigations continue, Tampa Police are urging anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the department at (813) 231-6130 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.
The actions taken by Tampa Police officers have been described as heroic, and the community remains focused on supporting the victims and finding clarity in the wake of this devastating sequence of events.