FLORIDA – A Florida man who reportedly fired several shots from a firearm at his ex-girlfriend has been sentenced to federal prison.
Thaddeus Timeaus Howard, 30, of Tampa, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. The court also ordered Howard to forfeit the firearm and ammunition seized during his arrest.
Howard pleaded guilty on December 15, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 9, 2022, Howard fired approximately seven shots at his ex-girlfriend in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood of Tampa. After firing his weapon, Howard reportedly entered his vehicle and chased the victim, who had fled in a car driven by her cousin.
That chase ended when Howard caused a multi-vehicle accident near 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. Upon searching Howard, officers reportedly 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. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan prosecuted it. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
