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Four killed as reckless driver crashes into Tampa bar after police chase
A high-speed police pursuit in Tampa, Florida, ended in tragedy early Saturday when a 22-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle and plowed into an outdoor patio at Bradley's bar, killing four people and injuring 13 others, authorities confirmed.
Pursuit and crash timeline
The Tampa Police Department's air unit first spotted the car driving erratically on a highway just before 01:00 local time (06:00 GMT), according to a department statement. The vehicle, previously linked to street racing, exited the interstate and continued speeding through city streets, prompting a chase by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Officers attempted a PIT maneuver-a tactic to force a fleeing vehicle to spin and stop-but the driver evaded control, police said. The pursuit was called off before the suspect crashed into Bradley's, a well-known LGBTQ establishment. Authorities stressed there is no evidence the attack targeted the bar or its patrons.
Casualties and injuries
Three victims died at the scene, and a fourth succumbed to injuries at a hospital, police reported. Among the 13 injured, two remain in critical condition, seven are stable, and four received treatment without hospitalization. Names of the victims have not been released.
"What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy. Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger."
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw
Official responses
Chief Bercaw vowed justice for the victims, while Tampa Mayor Jane Castor described the incident as "devastating" in a statement on X. "Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our city feels this loss," she wrote.
Investigation underway
The suspect, now in custody, faces charges as authorities probe the crash. The incident reignites scrutiny of high-speed pursuits and PIT maneuvers, which a 2023 federal report flagged for risks to bystanders.
