Tampa Police Kill Serial Hit-and-Run Suspect
TAMPA, Florida — A series of violent incidents unfolded in Tampa on Sunday evening, leaving one person dead, several others injured, and a suspect fatally shot by police. The Tampa Police Department (TPD) began responding to the escalating events on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m.
“Our thoughts are with the families of all those impacted by this tragic series of events,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “This individual, with a known violent history, displayed a blatant disregard for human life, leading to this tragic outcome.”
Chain of Violence Begins
The events began with a dispute at a Dollar General store, where Bailey intentionally blocked 47-year-old Eric Archield’s vehicle in the parking lot. After a brief verbal argument, Bailey moved his car, and Archield was able to leave.
Bailey followed Archield to a friend's residence near W. Meadow St and S. MacDill Ave, where he struck Archield with his car. Archield’s friend intervened, firing a gun to stop Bailey, who then fled the area. Archield suffered minor injuries from being struck by the mirror of Bailey’s car and was treated at the scene by Tampa Fire Rescue.
Pedestrian Strikes and Fatal Incident
Continuing his erratic behavior, Bailey drove northbound on MacDill Avenue near Interbay Boulevard. Multiple witnesses saw the white Honda begin to enter the Mobil Gas Station in the 6100 block of MacDill Avenue, and then abruptly conduct a U-turn back onto northbound MacDill Avenue. The Honda veered off the roadway and appeared to intentionally strike 43-year-old Jesse Rickett, causing severe head injuries. Rickett was transported to the hospital, where he remains listed in critical but stable condition.
Bailey then intentionally struck and killed an adult Hispanic male walking in the 5800 block of Interbay Boulevard. Detectives are actively working to positively identify the man and notify his next of kin.
Within minutes of this tragic murder, a Tampa Police officer spotted the Honda stopped in the middle of the 3100 block of Wyoming Avenue, where Bailey was at the rear of the car removing a bicycle from the trunk. The officer quickly exited his patrol car and ordered Bailey to stop. However, Bailey discarded the bicycle, re-entered his vehicle, and fled at high speed.
Officers combed the area searching for Bailey.
Before officers could locate him, Bailey struck 41-year-old Timothy Harden, who was crossing the street at West Shore Boulevard and Lemon Street. with his wife, who called 911. She informed the dispatcher that “this car jumped over the curb and swerved to hit him!” Harden, who thankfully was conscious and alert at the scene, was taken to the hospital for evaluation. His wife was fortunately not injured.
Pursuit Ends in Fatal Shooting
At 10:16 p.m., officers located Bailey on Interstate 275 northbound. During a pursuit, officers executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. Despite repeated commands to exit the car and show his hands, Bailey appeared to reach for an object, prompting officers to open fire, fearing for their safety.
Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bailey, who has an extensive criminal history including Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Battery on an EMT, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, was released from Florida State Prison in October, 2022.
Officers and Investigation
Three Tampa Police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and were treated at the hospital.
Northbound Interstate 275 and its entrance ramps, between West Shore Boulevard and the Downtown exchange, were closed overnight as investigators processed the scene.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, a standard procedure for the TPD. Additionally, the officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.
