Tampa, FL – Tampa Police are actively investigating a series of violent incidents that unfolded on the evening of January 26, 2025, culminating in a fatal officer-involved shooting.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, was involved in multiple hit-and-run incidents across South Tampa, resulting in three injuries and one fatality.
Bailey, who had an extensive criminal history that included charges of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Battery on an EMT, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, had been released from the Florida State Prison in October 2022.
At 8:35 p.m., Tampa Police received the first reports of Bailey’s erratic behavior, which began with an altercation at a Dollar General store. In the store’s parking lot, Bailey intentionally blocked the vehicle of 47-year-old Eric Archield.
After a brief verbal exchange, Archield was able to leave the scene, but Bailey followed him to a friend’s residence near W. Meadow St. and S. MacDill Ave., where he struck Archield with his vehicle.
In response, Archield’s friend fired a weapon to deter Bailey, who then fled. Archield sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Bailey continued his reckless actions, driving northbound on MacDill Avenue near Interbay Boulevard. Witnesses reported that his vehicle, a white Honda, veered off the road near a Mobil Gas Station and intentionally struck 43-year-old Jesse Rickett, causing severe head injuries. Rickett was transported to a local 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 confirm his identity and notify next of kin are ongoing.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., a Tampa Police officer observed Bailey removing a bicycle from the trunk of his car on Wyoming Avenue. The officer ordered him to stop, but Bailey discarded the bicycle, reentered his vehicle, and fled at high speed.
Before officers could locate him again, Bailey struck 41-year-old Timothy Harden near West Shore Boulevard and Lemon Street as he crossed the street with his wife. Harden was transported to the hospital for evaluation, while his wife escaped injury.
Tampa Police officers located Bailey’s vehicle shortly after the last hit-and-run and initiated a pursuit onto Interstate 275 northbound.
Officers successfully performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. Despite multiple verbal commands to show his hands, Bailey made a motion that led officers to believe their lives were in imminent danger, prompting them to open fire.
Bailey was struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at the scene. No firearm was found in his possession or inside his vehicle; however, searches of the areas he traveled are ongoing.
Seven officers discharged their firearms during the incident. They have been identified as:
Officer Algenis Maceo, Hispanic male, 8+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Jacob Petit, White male, 7+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Andrew Haase, White male, 5+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Bryan Velazquez, Hispanic male, 5+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Erik Lopez, Hispanic male, 4+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Santiago Alzate-Castro, Hispanic male, 2+ years with Tampa Police
Officer Nathan Berry, White male, 1 year with Tampa Police
Three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, likely due to ricochets or debris. They 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.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, and all officers involved have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Tampa Police detectives continue to investigate each hit-and-run incident and are working to determine Bailey’s motives.
“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,” said Chief Bercaw.
Authorities 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.
