MacDill airman killed by hit-and-run suspect before I-275 shooting with Tampa police

An airman stationed over at MacDill Air Force Base was the hit-and-run victim killed by a suspect who was later fatally shot by Tampa police after a pursuit on I-275. 

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Officials with MacDill Air Force Base identified the airman as Tech Sgt. Richard Padilla, 37, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force in the 24th Rapid Deployment Squadron of the 24th Special Operations Wing. 

RELATED: Deadly hit-and-run suspect shot & killed by police, 3 officers hurt after pursuit ends on I-275: TPD

Pictured: Tech Sgt. Richard Padilla. Courtesy: Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. 

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Richie. He embodied what it meant to be a warrior," said Lt. Col. Michael Biederman, 24th RDS commander. "Our deepest sympathies are with Richie’s family and friends as we all mourn the loss of our teammate, mentor, and friend."

South Tampa hit-and-runs

They said he was killed in an off-base hit-and-run incident while walking along Interbay Boulevard on Sunday evening. The Tampa Police Department said he was one of two victims hit in that area, with the other being sent to the hospital in critical condition.

Timeline:

TPD said Jeremiah Bailey, 48, was the suspect involved in a series of hit-and-runs that turned deadly late Sunday evening. 

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Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said it all began at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday with a dispute at Dollar General off of Dale Mabry Highway and Interbay Boulevard in South Tampa. Officials said Bailey used his car to block 47-year-old Eric Archield's car, then moved his car and followed the victim to a friend's home near West Meadow Street and South MacDill Avenue, where the suspect hit the victim with his car and took off. 

According to TPD, Bailey then intentionally hit Jesse Rickett, 43, on MacDill Avenue near Interbay Boulevard. He suffered head injuries and as of Monday, was listed in critical but stable condition at the hospital. 

Minutes later, investigators said he purposely hit Padilla who was walking in the 5800 block of Interbay Boulevard. He later died from his injuries. 

None of the victims knew Bailey. 

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Shooting with Tampa police

What happened:

According to Bercaw, officers pursued Bailey onto I-275 northbound, where police executed a PIT maneuver near the Howard Ave./Armenia Ave. exit.

Police said Bailey refused to come out of the car and appeared to reach for something, leading to officers firing shots. Bailey died at the scene.

Three officers were also injured, Bercaw said, and their injuries appeared to be caused by debris and not a direct gunshot, according to TPD. 

Police said Bailey had an extensive, violent criminal history and was released from prison in October 2022. His criminal history includes battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on an EMT and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. 

The Source: The information in this story was released by MacDill Air Force Base and the Tampa Police Department. It also includes previous reporting from FOX 13. 

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