Tampa – Tampa Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and multiple pedestrians in the 1500 block of East 7th Avenue in Ybor City early Saturday morning outside Bradley’s on 7th.
According to police, the incident began around 12:40 a.m. when Tampa Police Air Service observed a vehicle driving recklessly on I-275. The driver continued at a high rate of speed, exiting the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive. The same vehicle had earlier been seen racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street.
Around 12:45 a.m., Tampa Police and the Florida Highway Patrol located the vehicle near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. Troopers attempted a pursuit and an unsuccessful PIT maneuver before disengaging as the driver continued eastbound on 7th Avenue. Moments later, the vehicle lost control and crashed into a business, striking more than a dozen people who were outside.
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth died at the hospital. A fifth victim remains in critical condition. Eight others were transported to local hospitals with stable injuries, while two declined treatment. All 15 victims are adults.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson of Dade City, Florida, was detained at the scene.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated, “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “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.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation. Additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
Sampson is facing multiple charges of vehicular homicide, along with several other pending charges.