Crime
4 Dead, 11 Injured After Police Chase Ends in Fiery Crash Into Pedestrians in Ybor City
TAMPA, FL (November 8, 2025) — The Tampa Police Department (TPD), in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), is investigating a devastating crash that left four people dead and multiple others injured in the 1500 block of East 7th Avenue in Ybor City early Saturday morning.
“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 Tampa Police 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.”
According to investigators, the incident began around 12:40 a.m. when TPD Air Service observed a vehicle traveling at a dangerously high rate of speed and driving recklessly on Interstate 275.
The vehicle, which had previously been reported for street racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street, exited the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive while continuing to drive erratically.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., both TPD and FHP units located the suspect vehicle in the area of Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue.
Troopers initiated a pursuit and attempted a PIT maneuver, which was unsuccessful.
The driver continued to flee eastbound on 7th Avenue at a high rate of speed, prompting FHP to disengage the pursuit for safety reasons.
Moments later, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a business in the 1500 block of East 7th Avenue, striking more than a dozen pedestrians who were gathered outside.
Tragically, three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth victim succumbed to injuries at a local hospital.
A fifth victim remains in critical condition, and eight additional victims are receiving treatment at area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
Two other individuals sustained minor injuries but declined medical transport.
All 15 victims have been identified as adults.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson (B/M, DOB: 05/01/03), was detained on scene and is currently in police custody.
Charges are pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol is serving as the lead agency in the traffic crash investigation, with the assistance of Tampa Police Department investigators.
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage to contact the Tampa Police Department or FHP as the investigation continues.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.