A late-night police pursuit in Tampa, Florida ended in tragedy when a fleeing vehicle ploughed into a crowded bar patio, leaving four people dead and eleven others injured.
Chaotic pursuit precedes fatal collision
The incident began around 12.40am on Saturday when an air patrol unit spotted a silver sedan driving recklessly on a motorway. Tampa Police Department confirmed the vehicle had previously been seen racing in another neighbourhood.
Florida Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the car using a PIT manoeuvre, a technique designed to spin out vehicles by striking their rear. When this proved unsuccessful, officers disengaged as the car sped toward the historic Ybor City district, known for its vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions.
Catastrophic impact at Bradley's on 7th
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, lost control of the vehicle outside Bradley's on 7th, a popular gay bar. According to bar owner Bradley Nelson, the car first struck three people on the pavement before careering into the establishment's patio area.
Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Police confirmed that as of Saturday afternoon, two people remained in critical condition, seven were stable, and two had been treated and discharged. Two other individuals with minor injuries declined treatment.
Community mourns 'senseless tragedy'
Police Chief Lee Bercaw described the incident as a "senseless tragedy", adding that "reckless driving put innocent lives in danger." Tampa Mayor Jane Castor echoed these sentiments, stating "Our entire city feels this loss."
Authorities have confirmed the crash was not targeted. Court documents show Sampson faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing - all first-degree felonies that could result in severe penalties.
Bradley Nelson, the bar owner, expressed his trauma in a statement: "This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff, and myself. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were killed, and to all the injured."
