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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.