Tampa, Florida
A high-speed police chase turned tragic early Saturday when a reckless driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an outdoor patio at Bradley’s on 7th, a popular Tampa bar. The collision killed four people and injured 13 others, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Authorities said the 22-year-old driver, who had been spotted street racing earlier, was being pursued after refusing to stop for officers. The Florida Highway Patrol attempted a PIT manoeuvre — a method used to halt fleeing vehicles — but the effort failed. Soon after, the driver sped into the city streets, lost control, and slammed into the bar’s crowded patio.
Three victims died instantly, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Of the 13 injured, two remain in critical condition, seven are stable, two have been discharged, and two were treated at the scene. Police confirmed that the suspect is now in custody, and an investigation is underway.
Officials clarified that there is no indication the crash was a targeted attack, despite Bradley’s being a well-known LGBTQ venue.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw called the incident a “senseless tragedy” caused by reckless driving. “Our hearts go out to the victims’ loved ones. We are committed to seeking justice for those affected,” he said.
Mayor Jane Castor described the crash as “devastating,” noting that the entire city is mourning the loss. “Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our city feels this loss deeply,” she wrote on X.
The tragic event has reignited debate over the use of high-risk police pursuit tactics like the PIT manoeuvre, which federal reports have previously warned could endanger bystanders.
