Additional Coverage:
- Four dead, at least 13 injured after speeding car crashes into crowd outside Florida bar (foxnews.com)
Driver Allegedly Plows into Ybor City Bar, Killing Four and Injuring Thirteen in “Senseless” Tragedy
TAMPA, FL – A 22-year-old driver, allegedly fleeing from law enforcement, is facing multiple charges after his vehicle reportedly crashed into a crowded patio bar in Ybor City early Saturday morning. The devastating incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least thirteen others injured, a tragedy Tampa’s police chief has described as “senseless.”
Silas Kenneth Sampson, 22, is currently being held without bond at the Falkenburg Road Jail. Records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) indicate Sampson has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude serious bodily injury or death.
According to Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief Lee Bercaw, the sequence of events began around 12:30 a.m. Saturday when officers observed a car street racing and driving recklessly on Interstate 275. The driver, later identified as Sampson, continued his erratic, high-speed journey, exiting the interstate and heading into the heart of downtown Ybor City.
Approximately 15 minutes later, at 12:45 a.m., the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) located Sampson and initiated a pursuit. An attempted PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle was unsuccessful.
FHP then disengaged from the pursuit as Sampson continued to speed towards 7th Avenue, where he subsequently lost control of the vehicle. His car then careened into Bradley’s On 7th, a local gay bar, striking over a dozen adults who were enjoying the establishment’s outdoor patio.
Three victims died at the scene of the crash, and a fourth succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Authorities report that two victims remain in critical condition, while seven others are in stable condition. Two individuals were admitted and discharged, and two more were treated at the scene.
Officials stated on Saturday that there is no evidence to suggest that the victims or the business were intentionally targeted by the suspect.
The HCSO released video footage showing Sampson being brought into the Orient Road Jail following the tragic event. A statement from the city urged the public to “continue to keep those affected, and those mourning the tragic loss of their loved one, in your thoughts as we continue to work in partnership with FHP to seek justice for the victims and their families.”
Witness Howard Hopkins recounted the harrowing scene to affiliate FOX 13 Tampa Bay, describing how the car jumped the curb, struck the building, and plowed through the patio crowd. “Tables went everywhere, chairs went everywhere, bodies went everywhere – it was pretty bad,” Hopkins stated.
Bradley Nelson, owner of Bradley’s on 7th, released a statement via Facebook Saturday night, calling the incident “horrific.” Nelson expressed the profound trauma experienced by his staff and himself, extending thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased and all those injured. He highlighted the tight-knit community of employees and loyal customers at Bradley’s on 7th, considering them “truly part of our family.”
Nelson also commended the swift and expert response of first responders, including the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and all involved EMS teams. Out of respect for the victims and to allow staff to cope with the mental trauma, Bradley’s on 7th will remain closed until Monday.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also addressed the tragedy on social media, acknowledging the city’s collective grief. “What happened in Ybor City last night was devastating,” Castor wrote in an X post.
“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 Florida Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.