4 dead, at least 13 injured after car plows into crowd outside Florida bar

A 22-year-old driver, allegedly fleeing from police, crashed into a packed Florida patio bar early Saturday, killing four people and injuring at least 13 others in what the Tampa police chief called a “senseless” tragedy.

Silas Kenneth Sampson, 22, is charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to avoid serious bodily injury or death, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) records.

He is being held without bond at the Falkenburg Road Jail.

Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief Lee Bercaw said that around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, officers observed a car street racing on Interstate 275 and driving recklessly.

The driver, later identified as Sampson, continued to drive recklessly at a high rate of speed and exited the interstate toward downtown Ybor City.

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Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) located Sampson around 12:45 a.m., initiated a pursuit, and unsuccessfully attempted a PIT maneuver.

Bercaw said the FHP was disabled because Sampson continued speeding toward 7th Avenue, then lost control of the car and crashed into a local gay bar at Bradley’s On 7th.

Sampson allegedly struck more than a dozen adults who were on the outdoor porch, killing three victims at the scene.

A fourth victim died at the hospital, while two other victims remain in critical condition, according to authorities. It was stated that the other seven victims were in stable condition, two were taken to hospital and released, and two were treated at the scene.

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As of Saturday, there was no evidence to suggest victims or businesses were targeted by the alleged suspect, authorities said.

HCSO released video footage of Sampson being brought to the Orient Road Jail following the crash.

“As we continue to partner with FHP to seek justice for the victims and their families, we ask that you continue to keep those impacted and those mourning the tragic loss of their loved ones in your thoughts,” the city wrote in a news release.

Witness Howard Hopkins told FOX 13 affiliate Tampa Bay he saw the car jump the curb, crash into the corner of the building and pass through the crowd on the business porch.

After the fatal accident, authorities investigated the scene. (WTVT)

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“Tables scattered everywhere, chairs scattered everywhere, bodies scattered everywhere; it was pretty bad,” Hopkins said. exit.

Bradley Nelson, owner of Bradley’s on 7th, posted a statement on Facebook Saturday night, calling the incident “horrible.”

“This incident has been very traumatic for my entire staff and myself,” Nelson wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and all those injured. The Bradley on 7th Street is known as a close-knit family of employees and customers. Our customers are very loyal and have made the Bradley on 7th Street what it is today. They are truly part of our family. We ask that you remember those killed and injured in your prayers, as we do the same.”

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He also thanked the first responders who arrived at the scene.

“I can’t say enough about the expert job done by the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol and all involved EMS crews,” Nelson said. “The speed with which this incident was handled should be noted by all.”

Nelson said out of respect for the victims and mentally traumatized staff, Bradley’s store on 7th Avenue will remain closed through Monday.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also weighed in on social media, noting that the entire city was shaken by the tragedy.

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“What happened in Ybor City last night was devastating,” Castor wrote in the X post. “Families are grieving, first responders are suffering, and our entire city is feeling this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation is ongoing, and our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger.”

Florida Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.