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That decision came too late.
Sampson continued racing through the city, weaving between cars and blasting through intersections until he reached Ybor City, a historic district famous for its nightlife and cigar bars. Witnesses say the sedan came flying down East 7th Avenue near Bradley’s on 7th, a packed bar in one of Tampa’s busiest areas. Moments later, the driver lost control and slammed into a crowd of pedestrians gathered outside.
Carnage in the Streets
Emergency crews arrived to a devastating scene — mangled bodies, shattered glass, and twisted metal spread across the road. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth died later at a nearby hospital. Eleven others were hurt, including two in critical condition. Seven more suffered serious injuries, and four were treated for minor wounds.
“Tampa Fire Rescue and local hospitals worked through the night to stabilize the wounded,” officials said, describing the effort as one of the largest emergency responses in recent city memory.
The Suspect Behind Bars
By dawn, police had captured Sampson and booked him into Hillsborough County Jail. He now faces a slew of serious charges — four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death, both first-degree felonies under Florida law. Court records show he has not yet entered a plea, and no attorney was listed in his defense.
Authorities are investigating whether Sampson was impaired or had a history of dangerous driving. Records reveal he had been cited just two months earlier for driving 99 mph in a 70 zone — a chilling preview of what was to come.
“This morning’s tragedy was completely senseless,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted.”
“Free My Brother”
Despite the devastation, some of Sampson’s friends have taken to social media defending him. One close friend, Anthony Harris, wrote:
“Man right or wrong im with my Lil brother 10 toes down bout whatever, im sorry for you guys lost but point blank period the police should’ve ended the chase, they had no business putting other people in danger.. Free my brother man Silas Sampson.”
Harris doubled down, insisting “lord knows he didn’t mean to harm anyone.”
Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked heated debate in Tampa over police pursuit policies and the rise of illegal street racing that’s terrorized neighborhoods across Florida. Residents are demanding stronger penalties and more aggressive crackdowns on reckless drivers.
For the families of the four killed outside Bradley’s, no punishment will bring back their loved ones. But many are hoping that this horrific case will finally push lawmakers and law enforcement to take street racing as seriously as they should — before more lives are lost.
