**Four Dead and 11 Injured in Florida Bar Crash**
Early on Saturday morning in Tampa, Florida, a speeding driver crashed into a crowd outside a bar while trying to evade police pursuit, resulting in at least four deaths and 11 injuries. The street where the bar is located is known for its nightlife and tourism industry.
Three victims died on the spot, and the fourth victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. The police stated that one victim is in critical condition, while eight others are in stable condition and receiving treatment at the hospital. Additionally, two individuals received minor injuries at the scene.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated that the incident occurred just after 12:40 a.m. on Saturday when witnesses saw two cars racing west on Hillsborough Avenue towards Interstate 275. One of the cars managed to shake off the police pursuit, while the other silver car headed south on Interstate 275 and later exited in the downtown area.
Bercaw mentioned that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) initiated a pursuit and attempted to intercept the silver car. The FHP tried to use the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), where the police intentionally hit the rear of the fleeing vehicle to make it spin and stop, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
The Tampa police reported that as the car sped towards the historic Ybor City district near downtown, the highway patrol “disengaged from the pursuit.” Eventually, the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit over a dozen people outside a bar.
According to authorities, 22-year-old Silas Sampson from Dade City, Florida, was arrested at the crash scene. He is currently being held at the Hillsborough County Jail. The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
In a statement, Tampa Police Chief Bercaw described the events of the day as a senseless tragedy.
“Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol will work tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their families,” Bercaw said.