Four dead, eleven injured in vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on E. 7th Avenue News Tampa Police Tampa, FL. (November 8, 2025)- Tampa Police are investigating a deadly crash[...]

Tampa, FL. (November 8, 2025)- Tampa Police are investigating a deadly crash involving a vehicle and multiple pedestrians at the 15-hundred block of East 7^th Avenue in Ybor.

"What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families."

Around 12:40am, TPD Air Service was monitoring a vehicle driving recklessly on I-275. The driver continued to drive recklessly at a high rate of speed and exited the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive. The same vehicle had previously been observed street racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22^nd Street.

As Air Service continued to monitor the vehicle, around 12:45am, TPD and FHP located the vehicle in the area of Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. FHP initiated a pursuit and attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver as the driver continued to travel at a high rate of speed toward Nebraska Avenue continuing eastbound on 7^th Avenue. FHP disengaged as the driver approached 7^th Avenue.

The driver continued at a high rate of speed and lost control and crashed into a business, hitting more than a dozen people who were outside.

Three victims died at the scene. A fourth victim died at the hospital. A fifth victim is hospitalized in critical condition, and eight additional victims are being treated at local hospitals but are currently listed as stable. Two other victims with minor injuries declined treatment on scene. All 15 victims are adults.

The suspect was detained on scene and has been identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson (B/M, DOB: 05/01/03).

The Florida Highway Patrol is the lead agency in the traffic crash investigation. This is an active investigation. Updates will be provided as available.