Overview
- Authorities identified the driver as Silas Sampson, 22, who was detained at the scene and charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding, all first-degree felonies.
- Police say a TPD air unit monitored the car after it was observed street racing, FHP attempted a stop and a PIT maneuver near Nebraska and Palm, then troopers disengaged as the vehicle entered Ybor City.
- The vehicle struck people gathered on the outdoor patio at Bradley’s on 7th; three victims died at the scene and a fourth died at a hospital, with other adult victims treated at local hospitals including at least one in critical condition.
- Florida Highway Patrol is the lead agency and is conducting crash reconstruction while toxicology testing and a review of pursuit tactics remain underway.
- Officials noted the venue is a well-known LGBTQ gathering spot and said there is no indication the location was intentionally targeted.