Crime
Silas Sampson Arrested After Police Chase Ends in Fiery Crash That Killed 4 and Injured 11 in Ybor City
TAMPA, Fla. (November 8, 2025) — Authorities in Tampa are investigating a devastating crash that occurred early Saturday morning in Ybor City following a high-speed police pursuit.
The incident left four people dead and eleven others injured, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).
At approximately 12:40 a.m., Tampa Police Air Service began monitoring a vehicle driving recklessly at a high rate of speed along Interstate 275.
The driver, later identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, reportedly exited the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive after having been seen street racing earlier on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street, authorities said.
As the TPD Air Service unit continued surveillance, officers and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers located the suspect vehicle around 12:45 a.m. in the area of Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue.
Troopers initiated a pursuit and attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, which was unsuccessful.
Sampson continued eastbound on 7th Avenue at a dangerously high speed, prompting FHP to disengage the chase for public safety reasons.
Moments later, Sampson lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into a business along 7th Avenue, striking more than a dozen pedestrians who were gathered outside.
According to TPD, three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
One additional person remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Eight more victims sustained serious but stable injuries, and two others suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
All 15 victims were adults, police confirmed.
Sampson was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide.
“This was a senseless tragedy that has devastated our community,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted. 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.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the traffic crash investigation, with assistance from TPD.
Officials stated that the investigation remains active and that further updates will be provided 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.