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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.