Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (29, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to statements made in open court, on July 9, 2022, near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Fairbanks Street in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood of Tampa, Howard fired approximately seven shots at his ex-girlfriend. Surveillance video played during Howard’s arraignment showed an individual, whom prosecutors allege is Howard, fire multiple shots from a pistol. After firing the weapon, Howard entered his vehicle and chased his target who had fled in a car driven by her cousin. That chase ended when Howard caused a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Broad Street after swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. Howard fled the scene of that crash on foot and was apprehended by officers from the Tampa Police Department. Officers searched Howard after taking him in to custody and located a pistol in the pocket of his jeans.
At the time of the incident, Howard had prior felony convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.