Community members brought flowers and candles as police reviewed hours of video from the pursuit and impact.
TAMPA, Fla. — Shocked residents and weekend workers returned to E. Seventh Avenue on Sunday, the morning after four people were killed and more than a dozen injured when a speeding car hit the patio at Bradley’s on 7th following a police pursuit through Tampa.
The Tampa Police Department said the driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson of Dade City, was arrested after the crash and appeared in court Sunday. Police said the incident began around 12:30 a.m. Saturday when officers reported street racing near Hanna and Nebraska avenues. A police air unit tracked a silver sedan onto I-275 as Florida Highway Patrol joined in. The car exited toward downtown and continued onto the 1500 block of E. Seventh Avenue, where it plowed into the outdoor crowd.
Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the video evidence now in hand includes helicopter footage, traffic cameras and security clips from businesses along the corridor. “This was a senseless tragedy,” Bercaw said, adding that investigators are confirming the exact speed and sequence of events. Officials said three victims died at the scene and a fourth died at a hospital. The injury count ranged from 11 to 13 as additional walk-ins were tallied.
Outside Bradley’s on 7th, neighbors lit candles and straightened toppled patio chairs. Staff members described the club as a gathering place that routinely hosts late-night crowds. Business owners nearby said they closed early as detectives processed the scene, which stretched from N. 15th Street along the brick-lined avenue. City crews cleared debris after forensic mapping wrapped up late Saturday.
Authorities said victim names will be released after families are notified. Prosecutors are reviewing potential charges beyond the initial arrest counts. Police said they expect to provide a fuller timeline early this week once data from on-board modules and synchronized camera timestamps are evaluated.
By Sunday afternoon, traffic had reopened on E. Seventh Avenue, though flowers and posters remained along the railings. City officials said discussions about traffic-control measures on busy weekend nights will continue as the investigation advances.
Author note: Last updated November 9, 2025.