Tampa, FL– Saturday, November 8, 2025 – At approximately 12:45 a.m., a silver Toyota Camry driven by 22-year-old Silas Sampson was eluding police when he crashed into the outdoor patio area of Bradley’s on 7th in the 1500 block of East Seventh Avenue in Ybor City killing and injuring several innocent victims.
According to the Tampa Police Department:
- 4 adults died
- 2 in critical condition
- 7 in stable condition
- 2 admitted and discharged
- 2 treated on scene and not transported
- 2 self-transported to a local hospital after the initial report
Total victims: 17 (increased from initial report of 15)
Tampa Police Air Service first observed the vehicle driving recklessly southbound on Interstate 275 at 12:40 a.m. The same vehicle is believed to have been racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street earlier.
Florida Highway Patrol initiated pursuit near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue, attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver, then disengaged as the driver continued eastbound on 7th Avenue at high speed. The driver lost control and crashed into the patio.
Tampa Police released helicopter footage and CCTV showing the reckless driving, the PIT attempt, and the vehicle’s final stop.
Chief Lee Bercaw stated: “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy. 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.”
No evidence indicates the crash targeted specific persons or businesses. Sampson was detained at the scene. Florida Highway Patrol is the lead agency for the traffic crash investigation. Nothing further at this time.
Source: Tampa Police Dept.
Update – Florida Highway Patrol Press Release:
Suspect in Custody Following Deadly Crash in Tampa
Hillsborough County, Fla. ~ On November 8, 2025, State Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol attempted to stop a reckless driver in Tampa, Florida. The suspect fled from the Florida Highway Patrol. State Troopers, through the use of a PIT maneuver, made intentional physical contact with the fleeing vehicle in an attempt to terminate the pursuit and the active threat.
Following the intentional contact, the subject continued to flee at a high rate of speed, and the pursuing State Trooper discontinued the pursuit. Ultimately, the subject continued to drive recklessly, crashing his vehicle in the 15-hundred block of East 7th Avenue in Ybor, and taking the lives of four innocent people.
The Florida Highway Patrol mourns the lives taken by this armed fleeing felon.
State Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol are on the front lines of the battle against reckless, racing, and impaired drivers that terrorize our communities. We will give no quarter to those who terrorize our roadways and communities. State Troopers will continue to put themselves in personal harm and danger to apprehend those who put our residents and visitors at risk of injury or death.
The suspect is in custody, and this remains an ongoing investigation.
