In a tragic incident in Florida, four individuals lost their lives when a street racer lost control and crashed into a local bar.
Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old Silas Sampson from Dade City. Reports indicate he was dangerously speeding and evading police when his vehicle collided with Bradley’s, a popular gay bar situated on 7th Avenue. The impact struck over a dozen patrons on the outdoor patio.
Three people were declared dead at the scene, while another victim died later in the hospital due to severe injuries.
Officials confirmed that at least 11 others sustained injuries, with one person’s condition listed as critical.
Sampson has been taken into custody, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Addressing the media, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed sorrow, stating, “This morning’s events were a senseless tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and everyone affected.”
‘Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger.’
Police first picked up on Sampson’s allegedly bad driving while he started heading toward I-275 South around 12.30am.
Silas Sampson, 22, of Dade City, was allegedly driving recklessly and being chased by police when his car slammed into Bradley’s bar on 7th Avenue, hitting more than a dozen people on the patio
Three were pronounced dead on the scene and another later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. At least 11 people are injured, with one being in critical condition
It was first picked up on by the Tampa Police Department air unit on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street alongside another car before getting on the interstate alone.
Sampson eventually got off the interstate and entered downtown Tampa. While racing through the streets of the 414,500-resident area, police attempted to do a PIT maneuver to stop the young driver.
A PIT maneuver is where police tactically make contact with a car to force it to stop and spin. However, Sampson evaded and was able to continue toward 7th Avenue, where it crashed into Bradley’s.
Sampson has been charged with vehicular homicide and further felony charges are expected to follow, police said.
The owners of Bradley’s said their ‘hearts are broken’ following the tragedy.
Bradley’s confirmed their co-host, Esme Russell, was safe, but was ‘shaken’ by the experience.
‘This tragedy has struck at the heart of Tampa’s LGBTQ+ community,’ it said in a statement. ‘Bradley’s on 7th is more than just a nightclub, it is a sanctuary, a space of celebration, love, and chosen family for countless people across Tampa Bay.
‘Today, we mourn with our friends at Bradley’s, the victims’ families, and everyone affected by this senseless act.’
Authorities seen pushing out bodies on stretchers after the tragedy
Sampson was detained by police. The crash is being investigated
Bradley’s is a gay bar that is a prominent feature in the area
The bar’s owners said their ‘hearts are broken’ after the tragedy
The Daily Mail has reached out to Bradley’s for comment.
Plenty of gay businesses are centered around 7th Avenue and the Ybor City neighborhood. The area is known for being progressive and even has the nickname ‘GaYbor.’
The neighborhood started out as a place where Latin immigrants settled, but over the years, it has become a huge scene for the LGBT+ community, according to Out Coast.
Bradley’s is a well-known establishment in the area.
