4 Dead, 11 Injured After Police Chase Ends in Ybor City Crash

TAMPA, Florida – A reckless driver fleeing from authorities plowed into a crowd in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district early Saturday morning, killing four people and injuring eleven others in a chaotic crash.

According to the City of Tampa, the incident involved a high-speed pursuit that ended tragically.

The incident unfolded around 12:40 a.m. in the 1500 block of East 7th Avenue, a bustling nightlife hub lined with bars, restaurants, and historic brick buildings.

WTSP reports that the 22-year-old driver, identified as Silas Sampson of Dade City, was initially spotted street racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street.

Tampa Police Department’s air service unit monitored the vehicle as it traveled along Interstate 275 before exiting at Doyle Carlton Drive. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers located the car near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue around 12:45 a.m. and initiated a pursuit, as detailed by Bay News 9.

During the chase, troopers attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle, but it was unsuccessful. The driver continued eastbound at high speed on 7th Avenue, prompting FHP to disengage the pursuit for safety reasons as the vehicle approached the crowded area. Moments later, Sampson lost control, crashing into a business near Bradley’s and striking more than a dozen pedestrians standing outside, according to IONTB.

Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. All fifteen victims were adults over the age of 20, with one remaining in critical condition, eight listed as stable after hospitalization, and two declining treatment for minor injuries. Sampson was detained at the scene and faces pending charges as the investigation continues, as reported by WFLA.

Tampa Fire Rescue responded with a large-scale operation, deploying multiple units to triage and transport the injured amid the nighttime chaos.

This tragedy echoes previous incidents in Ybor City, including a 2023 Halloween parade attack that highlighted vulnerabilities in the district during peak nightlife hours. Despite measures like reduced speed limits and no-cruising zones, the area remains prone to such risks.

The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the traffic crash investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims pending family notifications, and no further details on Sampson’s motives or condition were immediately available.

The public is urged to avoid the area as cleanup and investigative efforts continue.