TAMPA, Fla. – New video shows a police chase and end to a violent crime spree on a Florida interstate when officers performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver and opened fire on a suspect wanted for multiple hit-and-runs.
Tampa police identified the man as 48-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, who struck multiple pedestrians with his car Sunday at various locations in South Tampa, killing one and injuring three.
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“This video shows the heroic efforts these Tampa Police Officers took to stop an ongoing and committed threat to our community,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “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.”
After police performed the PIT maneuver on Interstate 275 in Tampa, they commanded Bailey to show his hands multiple times, but he appeared to reach for something, leading to officers firing their weapons, the bodycam video shows.
Bailey was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No firearms were found on the suspect or in his car, the department said, but officers are still searching “areas of travel.”
Three police officers were hurt during the incident with non-life-threatening injuries from ricochet or debris, not from a direct gunshot, police said. They have since been treated and released from the hospital.
The injured officers have been identified as:
- Sgt. Joe Ltief, 10+ years with Tampa Police
- Officer Rachel Carr, 5+ years with Tampa Police
- Officer Joseph Barry, 4 years with Tampa Police
Police are still investigating each hit-and-run injury and fatality and working to determine what caused Bailey’s actions.
Bailey had an extensive criminal history and was released from Florida State Prison in October 2022.
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