TAMPA, Fla. – A devastating DUI-related traffic crash in the early hours of Monday morning at the intersection of S. Howard Avenue and W. Azeele Street has left a pedestrian with severe, life-altering injuries and led to the arrest of three individuals, including the impaired driver and two men accused of interfering with officers at the scene.
The incident happened at approximately 2:50 AM Monday, when Tampa Police responded to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. According to the investigation, 25-year-old Richard Meadows III was driving a white 2024 Toyota Camry northbound on S. Howard Avenue when he struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian.
The victim was reportedly standing at the rear of a parked silver Chevy Malibu when the impact occurred, severing his left leg below the knee.
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Witnesses at the scene identified Meadows as the driver. Responding officers observed clear signs of impairment and immediately initiated a DUI investigation. Meadows was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI (Serious Bodily Injury). The injured pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in critical but stable condition.
“This horrific crash underscores the devastating and entirely preventable consequences of driving under the influence,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our thoughts are with the victim and his family as he begins the arduous journey of healing from these life-altering injuries. The safety of our community, including our officers, will always be our primary focus. While we understand emotions may be heightened surrounding such a traumatic event, interfering with law enforcement who are working to investigate and hold suspects accountable is unacceptable, dangerous, and will not be tolerated. We are committed to holding those who make reckless choices accountable and will continue our efforts to keep our shared roadways in Tampa safe.”
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As investigators were processing the scene, police reported that several friends of the victim became agitated. Despite repeated requests from officers to maintain a safe distance, two individuals, identified as 29-year-old Julian Jackson and 28-year-old Rashon Goode, allegedly escalated the situation.
According to police, Jackson approached officers who were attempting to interview Meadows and began throwing punches, striking both Meadows and an officer. Jackson reportedly continued to resist verbal commands before being taken into custody. He has been charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence, and an additional count of Battery.
Police stated that as officers were arresting Jackson, Goode then attempted to pull an officer away from the arrest, grabbing the officer’s police vest. Goode was also taken into custody after a brief struggle and has been charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest with Violence.
All three individuals – Richard Meadows III, Julian Jackson, and Rashon Goode – were transported to Orient Road Jail.
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