A 22-year-old driver, while reportedly attempting to evade law enforcement, crashed into a crowded patio bar in Florida early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 13 others in what the Tampa police chief characterized as a “senseless” tragedy.
Silas Kenneth Sampson, aged 22, faces charges including four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, resulting in serious bodily harm or fatality, as indicated by records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
He is currently detained at the Falkenburg Road Jail without the option of bail.
Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief Lee Bercaw stated that around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, officers were observing a vehicle engaged in street racing and reckless driving on Interstate 275.
The driver, later identified as Sampson, persisted in driving recklessly at a high rate of speed, subsequently exiting the interstate and proceeding into downtown Ybor City.
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At approximately 12:45 a.m., the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) located Sampson, initiated a pursuit, and attempted a PIT maneuver, which proved unsuccessful.
FHP ceased pursuit as Sampson continued speeding towards 7th Avenue, eventually losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a local gay bar, Bradley’s On 7th, according to Bercaw.
Sampson is accused of striking more than a dozen adults who were on an outdoor patio, resulting in the immediate deaths of three victims at the scene.
A fourth victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital, while two victims are still in critical condition, as per authorities. Seven additional victims are in stable condition, two were admitted and subsequently discharged, and two received treatment at the scene.
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Officials have stated that, as of Saturday, there is no evidence suggesting that the victims or the establishment were specifically targeted by the alleged perpetrator.
HCSO has released video footage depicting Sampson being brought into the Orient Road Jail following the collision.
“We kindly request that you continue to hold those affected, and those mourning the heartbreaking loss of their loved one, in your thoughts as we persist in our collaborative efforts with FHP to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” the city expressed in a news release.
Witness Howard Hopkins recounted to affiliate FOX 13 Tampa Bay that he witnessed the vehicle jump the curb, collide with the corner of the building, and proceed to plow through the crowd gathered on the business’s patio.
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“Tables were scattered, chairs were scattered, bodies were scattered everywhere — it was quite severe,” Hopkins conveyed to the outlet.
Bradley Nelson, the proprietor of Bradley’s on 7th, issued a statement on Facebook Saturday night, describing the occurrence as “horrific.”
“This incident has been deeply traumatic for my entire staff, and myself,” Nelson expressed. “Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of those who lost their lives, and to all those who sustained injuries. Bradley’s on 7th is renowned for being a close-knit family comprising employees and patrons. Our patrons exhibit remarkable loyalty and have contributed to shaping Bradley’s on 7th into what it is today. They are truly an integral part of our family. We kindly request that you remember all those who were killed and injured in your prayers, as we are doing the same.”
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He also conveyed gratitude towards the first responders who promptly arrived at the scene to provide assistance.
“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for the exceptional work carried out by the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and all the participating EMS teams,” Nelson remarked. “The swiftness with which this incident was managed should be acknowledged by everyone.”
Nelson communicated that, out of consideration for the victims and the emotional distress experienced by the staff, Bradley’s on 7th will remain closed until Monday.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also shared her sentiments on social media, noting that the entire city was deeply affected by the tragedy.
“The events that transpired in Ybor City last night were devastating,” Castor wrote in an X post. “Families are in mourning, first responders are hurting, and our entire city is feeling this loss. My thoughts are with everyone impacted. The investigation is ongoing, and our dedication to ensuring the safety of our community remains unwavering.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is spearheading the investigation.
