At least four people were killed and more than a dozen others injured when a silver Toyota Camry slammed into a crowded outdoor patio section of a bar in Tampa, Florida, just after 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 8.
“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement.
Thirteen victims sustained injuries from the crash that happened at the popular late-night gay bar, Bradley’s on 7th, in a Tampa suburb.
Two were reported to be in critical condition and seven were in stable condition on Nov. 8, police said.
Law enforcement officials said they suspect that there could be more victims because additional people self-reported to the hospital after the crash, making the total number of reported victims at least 17.
The names of the victims who died have not been released.
“Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger,“ Bercaw said. ”The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
The driver, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was arrested at the scene.
An active investigation into the crash is ongoing.
“At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that Sampson’s actions were targeted toward any specific persons or businesses,” the Tampa Police Department said in a statement.
Bradley’s did not respond to a request for comment.
“A tragedy that could have and should have been avoided, a tragedy that has taken people from us, and a tragedy that has physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and as a community shaken us. The GaYBOR District Coalition is holding all of you in our hearts and our thoughts as we all try to navigate each moment that passes.”
