News Summary
Authorities in Tampa are investigating a series of hit-and-run incidents that resulted in the death of a pedestrian and multiple injuries. The police pursuit of a suspect led to a confrontation where officers discharged their weapons, resulting in the suspect’s death. Meanwhile, a separate suspect was arrested after evading police and jumping from an overpass. These incidents raise concerns about public safety on Tampa’s roadways as investigations continue.
Tampa – Police activity blocked several lanes on I-275 South at Howard Avenue on Sunday night due to an ongoing investigation connected to a series of hit-and-run incidents and the subsequent pursuit of a suspect. The blockage was a result of law enforcement examining a suspicious box in the area, prompting the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to take action. According to traffic updates from FL511, all affected lanes were cleared and reopened by approximately 1 p.m. the following day.
The incident gained significant attention following the involvement of 30-year-old Jeremiah Bailey, the suspect linked to multiple hit-and-run incidents in South Tampa. The attacks began around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday and tragically led to the death of MacDill Air Force Base Tech Sgt. Richard Padilla. Two other pedestrians were injured in these incidents, prompting further investigation into Bailey’s whereabouts.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that Bailey was the driver responsible for hitting them, detailing a shocking account of events as Bailey allegedly intentionally ran them over in St. Petersburg. Reports revealed that Bailey displayed reckless behavior shortly after these incidents, including a non-fatal hit-and-run near the Westshore area by the airport at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Law enforcement initiated a pursuit of Bailey’s vehicle, identifying it by front windshield damage associated with the earlier hit-and-runs. Officers executed a Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop at around 10:30 p.m. During this confrontation, seven officers discharged their weapons, believing their lives were in danger, which resulted in Bailey’s death at the scene. The police investigation was effectively advanced by witness statements and video evidence that linked him to the reckless driving reported earlier that night.
In a separate incident, another suspect named Thomas Sapp was apprehended after jumping from an I-275 overpass while evading police. Sapp was connected to a stabbing incident that occurred at an apartment complex on Wednesday night, where a woman sustained life-threatening injuries and required emergency medical transport. Fortunately, she is now in stable condition at a local hospital. Following the assault, Tampa police located Sapp in a vehicle on County Line Road but he attempted to evade arrest by jumping off the overpass, narrowly avoiding a collision with a semi-truck in the process. He suffered serious injuries from the fall and has been arrested on charges of attempted murder. Authorities are continuing their investigation into Sapp’s case, as he is known to the victim of the stabbing incident.
These incidents reflect a rising concern over public safety on Tampa’s roadways and the challenges law enforcement face in responding to violent crimes. As investigations continue into both cases, police are gathering evidence while ensuring the safety of the community. This situation is still classified as developing, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Additionally, the recent hit-and-run events coincide with the implementation of a new Florida law effective from July 1, requiring school staff to be trained in using EpiPens for severe allergic reactions among students. This legislation aims to address important health challenges faced by children in educational environments.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Action News: Traffic Incident on I-275
- Wikipedia: Hit and Run
- Fox 13 News: Hit-and-Run Suspect Killed
- Google Search: Traffic Incidents in Tampa
- WFLA: Live Police Investigation on I-275
- Google Scholar: Police Activity in Traffic Incidents
- WTSP: I-275 Traffic Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
