At least four people are dead after a street racer slammed into a Florida bar after losing control of his car.
Silas Sampson, 22, of Dade City, was allegedly driving recklessly and being chased by police when his car slammed into Bradley’s, a gay 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, authorities said.
Sampson was detained by police. The crash is being investigated.
‘What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,’ Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said at a press conference.
‘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 justa nightclub, it is a sanctuary, a space of celebration, love, and chosen family for countless people across Tampa Bay.
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
‘Today, we mourn with our friends at Bradley’s, the victims’ families, and everyone affected by this senseless act.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Bradley’s for comment.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
