Still from footage by Tampa Police of the November crash

CruxBuzz Staff

Tampa Ybor City Pursuit Crash: 4 Dead, 13 Injured In “Senseless Tragedy,” Police Say

Crime, Investigation, Safety, USA

Tampa Ybor City Crash: Interactive Timeline & Details

Four Lives Lost in Ybor City Tragedy

A vehicle crash following a police pursuit claimed four lives and injured thirteen in Tampa’s Ybor City early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at Bradley’s On 7th, a popular community gathering space. The Florida Highway Patrol leads the ongoing investigation. Authorities initiated response to street racing reports near E. Hillsborough Avenue and N. 22nd Street, leading to a pursuit that ended in the crash. Related coverage: police accountability concerns.

4
Fatalities
13
Injured
12:46 a.m.
Approximate Impact Time
22
Suspect’s Age
Scene of crash at Bradley's On 7th bar

Sequence of Events

12:30 a.m.
Street racing activity reported near E. Hillsborough Avenue and N. 22nd Street in Tampa.
~12:40 a.m.
Tampa Police Air Unit spots vehicle driving recklessly southbound on I-275.
~12:44 a.m.
Vehicle exits I-275 at Doyle Carlton Drive. Florida Highway Patrol initiates pursuit.
~12:45 a.m.
PIT maneuver attempted near Nebraska and Palm Avenue. FHP disengages for safety reasons as vehicle nears E. 7th Avenue.
Just before 12:50 a.m.
Vehicle crashes into outdoor patio of Bradley’s On 7th at 1500 block of E. 7th Avenue. Four killed, thirteen injured.
Emergency response at Ybor City

Victims and Injuries

Authorities confirmed three fatalities at the scene, a fourth at a nearby hospital, and thirteen injuries. Official injury breakdown: two remain hospitalized in critical condition, seven are stable, four treated or discharged. All victims were adults.
4
Deceased
2
Critical
7
Stable
4
Treated/Discharged

Suspect and Legal Status

Suspect: Silas Kenneth Sampson, 22, of Dade City. Arrested at the scene and held without bond at Falkenburg Road Jail.

Charges: Four counts vehicular homicide, four counts aggravated fleeing to elude with serious injury/death—all first-degree felonies under Florida Statute 782.071.

4
Vehicular Homicide Counts
4
Aggravated Fleeing Counts

Official Statements

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted. Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger.”
TPD official press release →
Bradley Nelson, Owner of Bradley’s On 7th
“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. Bradley’s on 7th is known for being a very tight-knit family of employees and customers.”
Bar’s official Facebook →
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
“Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our entire city feels this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Mayor’s official X statement →
Tampa Pride
“Bradley’s holds a special place in our LGBTQIA community and the heart of the Ybor neighborhood. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.”
Tampa Pride official Facebook →
Timeline chart of incident events

Police Pursuits: Risk and Data

National Statistics: From 2017 to 2021, the U.S. recorded 4,415 police pursuit deaths. NHTSA reports indicated 455 deaths in 2020 alone. Federal guidance recommends restricting pursuits to violent crimes, citing intervention technique dangers.
Street Racing in Florida: Since 2018, Florida issued 6,641 citations for racing and takeovers. A Tampa Bay multi-agency operation resulted in 32 arrests, 160 traffic citations, and 18 criminal charges.
Related Concerns: Law enforcement response tactics remain subject to scrutiny. Public safety during crowded events continues to receive attention.

Crash Location

Location: 1500 block of E. 7th Avenue, Ybor City, Tampa, FL | Date/Time: November 8-9, 2025, ~12:46 a.m. | Venue: Bradley’s On 7th

This coverage compiled verified facts, timeline details, victim information, legal proceedings, and official statements from City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and Florida authorities. The incident affected a community gathering space and resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Public incidents of this nature continue to prompt discussions about safety protocols and enforcement practices.

Leave a Comment