A car fleeing police slams into a bar in Florida, killing 4 and injuring 11

A speeding car fleeing police slammed into a crowded bar early Saturday morning, resulting in a devastating crash that killed four people and injured 11 others in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa, Florida. The area is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and attracts many tourists.

According to a statement from the Tampa Police Department, the incident began around 12:40 a.m. when an air patrol unit spotted a silver sedan driving recklessly on a freeway. Police said the vehicle had previously been seen street racing in another neighborhood.

The Florida Highway Patrol soon caught up with the car and attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver—a method involving bumping the rear fender of the fleeing vehicle to spin it out. However, the maneuver was unsuccessful, and officers disengaged as the vehicle sped toward downtown Tampa’s historic district.

Tragically, the driver lost control near the Ybor City district and crashed into more than a dozen people standing outside a bar. Police reported that three victims died at the scene, while a fourth died later at a hospital.

As of Saturday morning, a fifth victim remained in critical condition, while eight others were being treated at local hospitals but were listed as stable. Two additional victims suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. Authorities confirmed that all 15 victims are adults.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed condolences, stating, “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted.”

Officers have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Silas Sampson. He was arrested on Saturday and is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail. According to court documents, Sampson faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death—all first-degree felonies. No attorney was listed for Sampson.

This tragedy has left a deep impact on the local community as authorities continue their investigation and support the victims and their loved ones.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/florida/a-car-fleeing-police-slams-into-a-bar-in-florida-killing-4-and-injuring-11/

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