A shocking crash outside a popular Tampa gay bar left four people dead and at least 13 others injured after a suspected street racer lost control and plowed into a crowd early Saturday morning.
Security footage shows terrified pedestrians scrambling as a silver Toyota Camry speeds through an intersection before slamming into revelers outside Bradley’s on 7th, a well-known nightlife spot in Ybor City.
Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, who officers say had been street racing moments before the crash. Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Two of the injured remain in critical condition.
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. We’re committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
Authorities say Sampson ignored police attempts to stop him and continued speeding until he lost control of the car. He was arrested at the scene and charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing, all first-degree felonies.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor called the incident “a devastating loss for our city,” as investigators from the Florida Highway Patrol continue to probe the crash.
