A police pursuit through Tampa early Saturday turned deadly when a speeding driver lost control and crashed into a packed bar patio, killing four people and injuring 13 others.
According to the Tampa Police Department, the chase began around 12:40 a.m. after law enforcement air patrol spotted a vehicle driving erratically along Interstate 275. The Florida Highway Patrol initiated pursuit of the driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Kenneth Sampson, and attempted a PIT maneuver—a tactic meant to force a fleeing car to spin and stop—but it was unsuccessful. After the failed maneuver, the Highway Patrol reportedly ended its active pursuit before the crash occurred. Investigators say there is “no evidence to indicate that Sampson’s actions were targeted toward any specific persons or businesses.”
Dash and aerial footage released by authorities show the suspect vehicle continuing at high speed before veering off and slamming into Bradley’s, a well-known LGBTQ bar in the city’s Ybor neighborhood. The impact scattered debris across the street and left multiple people trapped beneath wreckage. Three people died at the scene, and a fourth later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Of the 13 injured, two remain in critical condition, seven are stable, and several have since been discharged or treated at the scene. Officials have not released the victims’ names.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated: “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted. Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
The establishment said in a statement that the incident was ‘horrific’ and that the bar will remain closed until Monday: Bradley Nelson, the owner of Bradley’s on 7th, shared in a statement: “This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff, and myself. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were killed, and to all the injured. Bradley’s on 7th is known for being a very tight-knit family of employees and customers. Our customers are very loyal and have made Bradley’s on 7th what it is today. They are truly part of our family. We ask you to remember all those killed and injured in your prayers, as we do the same. I cannot say enough about the expert job done by the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and the Florida Highway Patrol and all the involved EMS teams. The speed in which this event was handled, should be noted by all.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor wrote on X: “What happened in Ybor City last night was devastating. Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our entire city feels this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation continues, and our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger.”
The suspect is charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude serious bodily injury or death, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) records. He is being held at the Falkenburg Road Jail without bond.
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