A speeding car fleeing from police crashed into a crowded bar in Tampa, Florida, early Saturday, resulting in four fatalities and 11 injuries. The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. in the historic Ybor City area, known for its nightlife and tourist attractions.

According to the Tampa Police Department, an air patrol unit first spotted the silver sedan driving recklessly on a freeway after it had been seen street racing in another neighborhood. The Florida Highway Patrol attempted to stop the vehicle using a PIT maneuver, which involves bumping the rear of the car to force it to spin out. However, this attempt was unsuccessful, and the patrol officers decided to disengage as the car sped toward Ybor City.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a group of people outside Bradley’s on 7th, a popular bar. Three individuals died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at a hospital. As of Saturday afternoon, two victims were reported in critical condition, seven were stable, and two had been treated and released. Additionally, two others sustained minor injuries but declined further treatment.

“This morning was a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” said Police Chief Lee Bercaw.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was arrested and is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail. He faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death, all classified as first-degree felonies. No attorney has been publicly listed to represent Sampson.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed her condolences on social media, stating, “Our entire city feels this loss.” She noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

In recent years, some states and local agencies have sought to limit high-speed police chases to protect civilians and officers. A 2023 study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice recommended that such chases be rare, citing the dangers often outweighing the need for immediate apprehension. Despite this, Florida's highway patrol has relaxed restrictions on car chases and PIT maneuvers, which have been described as “high-risk” and “controversial” in the Justice Department-backed report.