TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department (TPD) has released body-worn camera and aviation unit footage of a series of violent incidents that culminated in an officer-involved shooting on January 26, 2025. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, was killed by police after striking multiple pedestrians with his vehicle, resulting in one death and several injuries.
WATCH:
The series of incidents began at approximately 8:35 p.m. with a dispute at a Dollar General store. Bailey allegedly blocked another vehicle, driven by 47-year-old Eric Archield, in the parking lot. After a verbal altercation, Bailey moved his car, allowing Archield to leave. However, Bailey then followed Archield to a nearby residence and struck him with his car. A friend of Archield intervened, firing a gun to stop Bailey, who then fled the scene. Archield sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
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Bailey continued his erratic driving, striking 43-year-old Jesse Rickett near a Mobil Gas Station on MacDill Avenue. Rickett suffered serious head injuries and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Tragically, Bailey then struck and killed an adult Hispanic male walking in the 5800 block of Interbay Boulevard. Detectives are working to identify the victim and notify his next of kin.
Later, Bailey struck 41-year-old Timothy Harden, who was crossing the street with his wife at West Shore Boulevard and Lemon Street. Harden was taken to the hospital for evaluation and was conscious and alert at the scene. His wife was unharmed.
TPD officers located Bailey and initiated a pursuit that led onto I-275 northbound. Officers performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop Bailey’s vehicle. After repeated commands to show his hands, Bailey reportedly made a movement that led officers to believe their lives were in imminent danger. Seven officers fired their weapons, fatally striking Bailey. No firearm was found on Bailey or in his vehicle, though searches of the area are ongoing.
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The officers involved in the shooting have been identified as: Officer Algenis Maceo, Officer Jacob Petit, Officer Andrew Haase, Officer Bryan Velazquez, Officer Erik Lopez, Officer Santiago Alzate-Castro, and Officer Nathan Berry.
Three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, believed to be from ricochet or debris, and were treated and released from the hospital. They have been identified as Sergeant Joe Ltief, Officer Rachel Carr, and Officer Joseph Barry.
“This video shows the heroic efforts these Tampa Police Officers took to stop an ongoing and committed threat to our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these heinous acts and our Victim Advocate will work closely with each of them to ensure they are connected with the resources they may need.”
Bailey had an extensive criminal history, including battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on an EMT, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was released from Florida State Prison in October 2022.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the officer-involved shooting, a standard procedure. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave. TPD detectives are conducting concurrent investigations into each hit-and-run incident and are working to determine the motive behind Bailey’s actions.
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