Four Killed, Eleven Injured After Driver Crashes Into Crowd in Tampa’s Ybor City

Tampa police are investigating a high-speed crash that left four people dead and eleven others injured early Saturday morning after a car plowed into a group of people outside a business in the Ybor City neighborhood.

Authorities say the suspect, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, is in custody and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The incident began shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday when officers with the Tampa Police Department observed two vehicles racing near Hanna Avenue and Nebraska Avenue.

TAMPA, Florida: Four people were killed and 11 others injured when a speeding car slammed into a crowd in Tampa’s Ybor City early Saturday morning, according to police.

The crash occurred around 12:40 a.m. on November 8, 2025, after officers spotted two vehicles racing on… pic.twitter.com/FwrOsk0HT9

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 9, 2025

According to Police Chief Lee Bercaw, the cars continued westbound on Hillsborough Avenue before one vehicle merged onto Interstate 275 South.

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Sampson, driving the second vehicle, headed toward the downtown area and into Ybor City.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers joined the pursuit as the chase continued through city streets.

Investigators said troopers attempted a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, near Nebraska Avenue and Palm Avenue in an effort to stop Sampson’s car.

The maneuver was unsuccessful, and Sampson continued driving down 7th Avenue, one of Ybor City’s main commercial corridors.

Moments later, police said Sampson lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a local business, striking a crowd of people who had gathered outside.

Witnesses told investigators that the impact sent debris across the street and caused significant damage to the storefront.

Emergency responders pronounced three victims dead at the scene, while a fourth victim later died at a hospital, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Eleven additional individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. All victims were adults over the age of 20, police said.

“This morning we had a tragic incident where at least four victims senselessly lost their lives and eleven others were injured as a result of a careless, reckless driver,” Chief Bercaw said in a statement.

Investigators said Sampson was taken into custody without further incident.

He faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude with serious bodily injury.

Authorities confirmed that Sampson’s car was heavily damaged, and he was treated for minor injuries before being booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.

Court records show that this was not Sampson’s first encounter with law enforcement for dangerous driving.

According to Hillsborough County court filings, he received a citation less than two months ago for speeding 99 miles per hour on Interstate 75, where the posted speed limit is 70 miles per hour.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are assisting Tampa police in reconstructing the crash to determine the vehicle’s speed and trajectory prior to impact.

Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras along 7th Avenue to better understand the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

The business struck by the vehicle has not been publicly identified by authorities.

Police confirmed it was a local bar where patrons were gathered outside when the crash occurred.

The area was closed for several hours on Saturday morning as officers and forensic teams processed the scene.

Officials said they are continuing to notify the victims’ families and urged anyone who witnessed the incident or recorded video to contact Tampa police.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected our city,” Chief Bercaw said.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone impacted by this senseless event.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed.