At least four people were killed and eleven others injured after a police pursuit ended in a horrific crash outside Bradley’s on 7th,
a popular gay bar in Tampa’s Ybor City district early Saturday morning.
According to Tampa police, the pursuit began around 12:45 a.m. when officers spotted a car speeding along I-275 —
believed to be involved in street racing earlier in the night. Officers attempted a pit maneuver as the vehicle exited the
interstate, but aborted due to the risk in the densely packed nightlife area.
Moments later, the driver lost control near 7th Avenue, plowing into the bar’s outdoor patio filled with patrons.
Witnesses describe screams, overturned tables, and chaos as people scrambled to help the injured.
“It was like a bomb went off,” said one witness. “People were just sitting outside enjoying the night, and suddenly the car came flying through.”
The suspect was arrested on the scene and is facing multiple felony charges, including vehicular homicide.
Tampa police confirmed that additional charges are likely to follow as the investigation continues.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and dashcam recordings to determine whether the chase protocol was properly followed.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the Ybor community, raising renewed concerns about street racing and pursuit safety in nightlife zones.
