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Four Killed, Many Hurt as Fleeing Driver Crashes Into Ybor City Bar Patio

Florida Highway Patrol now leads the case after a police‑monitored street‑racing episode, with the 22-year-old driver charged with first-degree felonies.

Overview

  • Police identified the driver as Silas Sampson, 22, who was detained at the scene and booked on four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding.
  • Tampa police air units tracked the car after reports of street racing on I-275, and Florida Highway Patrol attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver before disengaging near 7th Avenue.
  • The crash struck patrons outside Bradley’s on 7th in Tampa’s Ybor City around 12:40–12:45 a.m., killing four adults and injuring more than a dozen others, according to authorities.
  • Officials said there is no indication the LGBTQ venue was targeted, and all known victims are adults; some injured remain hospitalized, including at least one in critical condition.
  • FHP is conducting the reconstruction and review of pursuit tactics as vigils and local leaders call for safety measures and accountability in the nightlife district.