TAMPA, FL – April, 2026 – At least four people were killed and 13 more suffered injuries after a driver traveling at very high speed lost control early Saturday. The driver plowed into a business and struck more than a dozen individuals in Tampa, Florida, police reported.
Police said the vehicle involved in the fatal collision had previously been seen street racing in Tampa.
Officials said three victims died at the scene, and a fourth died later at the hospital.
Authorities said the injury count increased from 11 to 13 after two victims “following the initial release, transported themselves to a nearby hospital” on Saturday. Police said that overall, two patients remain in critical condition. Paramedics treated two people at the scene and did not take them to a hospital. Doctors admitted two others and later released them. Seven others remain in stable condition.
Silas Sampson, 22, was taken into custody at the crash site, police said.
According to police, the suspect had been “driving recklessly” on Interstate 275 before leaving the highway at “a high rate of speed.” Police said the vehicle reached its “final stop” after crashing into the outdoor patio area of a bar. The bar was Bradley’s on 7th.
The business calls itself a “friendly bar where everyone is welcome” on social media.In a statement, it said the event has been “very traumatic” for employees. The bar will stay closed until Monday.
“We ask you to remember all those killed and injured in your prayers, as we do the same,” Bradley Nelson, the owner of Bradley’s on 7th, said in a statement.
Officials also said there is “no evidence” that Sampson targeted any particular people or businesses.
Police said Air Service was tracking the vehicle around 12:45 a.m. Officers attempting to stop the car tried an “unsuccessful PIT maneuver,” but the driver kept accelerating. Soon afterward, police said, the driver crashed into the business.
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy. Our hearts go out to the victims’ loved ones and everyone affected,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement on Saturday.
“Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol will seek justice for the victims and their families,” Bercaw said.
ABC Tampa Bay affiliate WFTS reports that Sampson will make his first court appearance Sunday at 10 a.m. local time.
Credits and attribution
Original reporting: ABC News, “4 dead, 13 injured after speeding car in Tampa crashes into business, pedestrians,” by Nadine El-Bawab and Ahmad Hemingway, published November 9, 2025 at 9:50 AM. Image credits shown in the ABC News report include Jefferee Woo, Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire via Shutterstock, Dave Decker via ZUMA Press Wire via Shutterstock, and Hillsborough County Jail. Copyright notice shown on the page: © ABC News.
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