Ybor City reels after driver crashes into popular bar
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The community is still reeling after a man crashed into an Ybor City bar on Saturday, killing four people and wounding 13 others.
What happened: Tampa Police said its air unit saw a vehicle speeding on I-275 at 12:40am before it exited on Doyle Carlton Drive.
- Officials said Florida Highway Patrol officers unsuccessfully tried to stop the car by hitting it before disengaging as the man sped onto 7th Avenue, where he lost control and crashed into Bradley's, a popular LGBTQ+ bar.
- Three victims died at the scene, and a fourth was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to TPD.
The latest: The accused driver, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was detained at the scene and had his first court appearance on Sunday.
- He faces eight felonies related to the crash: four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury and four counts of vehicular homicide.
- There's no evidence to suggest that the crash targeted any individuals or businesses, per TPD.
Zoom in: Pride of Tampa organized a vigil outside the bar on Saturday, with over 100 people in attendance, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
- "This is more than a place to have a drink," a regular of the bar, Aaron Luneau, told the Times. "It's a safe space."
- Out of respect to the victims, Bradley's will remain closed until 4pm on Monday.
What they're saying: "Our customers are very loyal and have made Bradley's on 7th what it is today," a statement from bar owner Bradley Nelson read. "They are truly part of our family."
- "We ask you to remember all those killed and injured in your prayers, as we do the same," it continued.
- "Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our city feels this loss," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor wrote on X. "Our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger."