TAMPA, FLORIDA — Two residents of Polk County were among the four victims killed early Friday morning when a speeding car plowed into a crowd of pedestrians in Tampa’s Ybor City district.
Authorities identified the victims as Marlon Anthony Collins, 54, of Bartow, and Lisa Sherell “Shalisa” Johnson, 41, of Winter Haven. Both were among several pedestrians struck when a fleeing driver lost control and crashed along Seventh Avenue near Bradley’s on 7th.
Driver Charged After High-Speed Crash
According to the Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police, the suspect — Silas Sampson, 22 — was being pursued before the collision. He allegedly attempted to evade officers and was fleeing at high speed when his car veered off the road and slammed into a crowd outside the busy nightlife area.
Authorities said the pursuit had been called off moments before the impact, but Sampson continued driving recklessly, killing four people and injuring several others…