TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department is investigating a deadly crash that killed four people and injured 11 others early Saturday morning in the Ybor City neighborhood.
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
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The incident began around 12:30 a.m. when Tampa Police Air Service spotted a vehicle driving recklessly at high speed on Interstate 275.
According to a news release, the driver exited the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive and was believed to be the same vehicle seen racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street.
Police and troopers located the vehicle near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue around 12:45 a.m. A pursuit was initiated, and officers attempted a PIT maneuver to stop the driver. However, the driver continued eastbound on 7th Avenue at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was disengaged as the vehicle approached 7th Avenue, police said.
The driver lost control and crashed into a business, striking more than a dozen people who were outside at the time. Three victims died at the scene, and a fourth died later at the hospital. A fifth victim remains in critical condition, while eight others are hospitalized with stable injuries. Two victims with minor injuries declined treatment on scene. All 15 victims are adults, police said.
In a news conference Saturday morning, officials identified the suspect as 22-year-old Silas Sampson of Dade City, who was detained at the scene.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is leading with charges of vehicular homicide at this point with additional felony charges to follow,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP is leading the investigation and remains active.
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