In TAMPA (WFLA), a tragic collision in Ybor early Saturday claimed four lives, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw reported that the incident unfolded around 12:40 a.m. when police aerial units detected two cars racing westward along Hillsborough Avenue towards Interstate 275.
Upon reaching the highway, the two vehicles parted ways; one continued south on I-275, while the other veered off at the downtown exit. The Florida Highway Patrol attempted a traffic stop at Nebraska and Palm, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Chief Bercaw noted that a PIT maneuver was also attempted by FHP but failed to halt the speeding vehicle.
At a brief press conference, Sergeant Steve Gaskins explained that troopers withdrew their pursuit after the car entered Ybor City.
The vehicle hurtled down 7th Avenue, crashing near Bradley’s, a popular gay bar, injuring over a dozen people outside. There was no immediate information on the extent of damage to the building.
Three of the victims died at the scene, and a fourth person died at the hospital. As of around 5:30 a.m., a fifth person is in critical condition, and eight more are being treated at local hospitals in stable condition. Two others with minor injuries declined treatment at the scene.
Bercaw said all of the victims were adults over 20 years of age.
The suspect, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was arrested at the scene. FHP is leading the investigation and plans to charge the man with vehicular homicide. Additional felony charges are pending.
