The Tampa Police Department (TPD) detained a driver suspected of crashing into a bar in the Ybor City neighborhood in the early hours of Saturday morning, killing four and wounding 11, according to local police.
Of the four fatalities, three died at the scene, and the fourth died at the hospital. Another individual has been hospitalized in critical condition, and another eight have been treated at local hospitals but are listed as stable. Another two individuals sustained minor injuries and declined treatment on the scene.
The suspect, identified as Silas Sampson, 22, from Dade City, was driving recklessly on the I-275 highway at a high speed at approximately 12:40 a.m., local time. TPD Air Service was monitoring the vehicle, which exited the highway at Doyle Carlton Drive.
The same vehicle had previously been seen street racing on Hillsborough Avenue.
At around 12:45 a.m., the TPD and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) located the vehicle in the area of Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. The officers pursued the vehicle; however, FHP disengaged when the driver approached 7th Avenue. The driver then crashed into a crowd outside of a local bar called Bradley's. The area is a popular nightlife and tourist destination.
'A senseless tragedy'
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” TPD Chief Lee Bercaw.
“Reckless driving puts innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
The incident is under investigation. Sampson is set to face charges of four counts each of vehicular homicide and aggravated fleeing to elude, serious bodily injury, and/or death, according to the FHP. Additional felony charges are expected.