VIDEO: Silas Sampson Street Racer Fleeing Cops Crashes Into Tampa Gay Bar Bradley’s on 7th, Killing 4 and Injuring 11

At least four people are dead and eleven others injured after a street racer fleeing police crashed into a popular gay bar in Tampa’s Ybor City early Friday morning. Authorities identified the driver as Silas Sampson, 22, of Dade City, Florida, who allegedly lost control of his car while speeding through downtown before plowing into the crowded outdoor patio of Bradley’s on 7th, one of the city’s most well-known LGBTQ+ bars.

According to the Tampa Police Department, officers first noticed Sampson’s reckless driving around 12:30 a.m. as he was heading toward I-275 South. A police air unit tracked his vehicle on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street, where he appeared to be racing another car before continuing alone onto the interstate. Police attempted to stop him using a PIT maneuver—a tactic used to spin a vehicle to a halt—but Sampson evaded officers and sped toward 7th Avenue, the heart of Tampa’s Ybor City nightlife district. Moments later, he lost control and slammed into Bradley’s, striking multiple people on the bar’s busy patio.

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries later at a nearby hospital. At least one more person remains in critical condition. Police Chief Lee Bercaw described the crash as a “senseless tragedy,” saying, “Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted.” All the victims were adults over the age of 20, and their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.

Following the crash, Sampson was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide, though authorities said additional felony charges are likely as the investigation continues.

The Tampa community has been left heartbroken. Esme Russell, one of Bradley’s co-hosts, called the incident devastating for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, saying, “Bradley’s on 7th is more than just a nightclub—it’s a sanctuary, a space of celebration, love, and chosen family for countless people across Tampa Bay. Today, we mourn with our friends at Bradley’s, the victims’ families, and everyone affected by this senseless act.”

The deadly crash took place in Ybor City, a historic district known both for its Latin roots and for its thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. The area’s main strip, 7th Avenue, is lined with clubs, bars, and small businesses, and has even earned the affectionate nickname “GaYbor” among locals. Bradley’s on 7th, one of the area’s most popular venues, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and has long been a cornerstone of Tampa’s LGBTQ+ culture.

As police continue their investigation, tributes and vigils are expected to take place in memory of the victims whose lives were cut short in the crash that has shaken the Tampa Bay community.