Four Killed, Eleven Injured As Fleeing Driver Crashes Into Crowd Outside Tampa Bar In US

Last Updated:November 09, 2025, 10:19 IST

Accused Sampson was arrested and taken to Hillsborough County Jail. He faces 4 counts of vehicular homicide, 4 counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding, all first-degree felonies.

Before the car crashed (Credits: X)

At least four people were killed and eleven others injured after a speeding car, in an attempt to flee from police, rammed into a crowd outside a popular bar in Tampa’s historic Ybor City early on Saturday.

The crash took place shortly after midnight near Bradley’s on 7th, a spot famous for nightlife. According to the Tampa Police Department, a silver sedan driven by 22-year-old Silas Sampson was spotted street racing on Hillsborough Avenue before being tracked by an air patrol unit around 12:40 AM local time.

The Florida Highway Patrol tried to stop the vehicle using a PIT manoeuvre — a tactic designed to spin out a fleeing car — but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Officers later pulled back as the vehicle continued at high speed toward downtown Tampa. Moments later, Sampson lost control and ploughed into a group of about 15 people gathered outside the bar.

Three victims died at the spot, while a fourth was rushed to the hospital, where the victim succumbed to injuries. Police said two of the injured were in critical condition, seven were stable, and two others had been discharged. Another two declined medical treatment for minor injuries.

“This morning’s incident was a senseless tragedy," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw in a statement quoted by media outlets.

“Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families."

Sampson was arrested and taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. According to court records, he faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding, all first-degree felonies.

Bradley Nelson, the owner of Bradley’s on 7th, said the car struck three people on the pavement before crashing into the bar’s patio. “This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff and myself. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were killed, and to all the injured," he said in a statement.

Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, who earlier served as the city’s police chief, expressed grief over the incident, writing on social media, “Our entire city feels this loss."

The tragedy has reignited debate over police pursuit policies in the United States. While some departments have tightened rules on high-speed chases to prevent civilian casualties, Florida’s highway patrol has recently relaxed restrictions, allowing more frequent use of high-risk PIT manoeuvres.

News world Four Killed, Eleven Injured As Fleeing Driver Crashes Into Crowd Outside Tampa Bar In US

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