Fatal Vehicle Incident in Tampa's Ybor City
Incident Overview
Four individuals are deceased and eleven others sustained injuries following a vehicle collision in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood during the early hours of Saturday. The incident occurred after a police pursuit.
Sequence of Events
The event began shortly after 12:40 a.m. when Tampa Police observed two vehicles allegedly racing westbound on Hillsborough Avenue. One vehicle, a silver 2019 Toyota Camry, proceeded southbound on Interstate 275 before exiting into the downtown area.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) initiated a pursuit of the Camry and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the Camry reportedly fled. FHP then attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, a tactic designed to cause a fleeing vehicle to spin out. This maneuver was unsuccessful, and FHP subsequently disengaged from the pursuit.
Following the disengagement, the vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed on 7th Avenue. East of 15th Street, the Camry collided with a crowd positioned outside Bradley's on 7th, a bar located in Ybor City, a district known for its nightlife.
Casualties and Injuries
Three victims were pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. A fourth victim later died at a hospital. A fifth individual is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Eight other victims are receiving hospital treatment and are listed in stable condition. Two additional individuals sustained minor injuries but declined on-scene medical treatment. All victims involved were adults over the age of 20.
Investigation and Charges
The suspected driver, Silas Sampson, a 22-year-old male from Dade City, Florida, was apprehended by law enforcement and is being held in the Hillsborough County Jail. The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident.
Sampson faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, serious bodily injury and/or death. Further felony charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.