Two survivors of the deadly Ybor City crash that occurred on the night of Nov. 8, 2025, have filed a civil lawsuit in Hillsborough County Circuit Court. The complaint names the driver, Silas Sampson, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Tampa Police Department (TPD) and the bar, Bradley’s on Seventh, as defendants.
Allegations against the driver and law‑enforcement agencies
According to the filing, Sampson was traveling at high speed after police believed he was street racing on Interstate 275. TPD officers tracked the vehicle from the air but, citing department policy that restricts pursuits to forcible felonies, did not engage in a high‑speed chase. An FHP trooper later took over the pursuit and attempted a PIT (precision‑impact‑tactics) maneuver to stop the car. The maneuver failed, and the trooper backed off as the vehicle approached Seventh Avenue in Ybor City.
Seconds after the trooper disengaged, Sampson’s vehicle careened into the patio of Bradley’s on Seventh, striking a crowd of patrons. The crash killed four people and injured more than 20 others. The plaintiffs contend that both the police agencies and the driver share responsibility for the injuries and deaths.
Claims against Bradley’s on Seventh
The lawsuit also asserts that Bradley’s failed to provide a safe environment for customers seated close to the roadway. The plaintiffs argue the establishment should have installed protective barriers or other safeguards to shield patrons from traffic hazards.
Legal perspective
Tampa attorney Anthony Rickman, who is representing the victims, warned that establishing liability against TPD may be challenging because of the department’s pursuit policy, which prohibits high‑speed chases absent a forcible felony. “Tampa Police had a policy in place that said they were not to engage in pursuits that did not involve forcible felonies. In this particular case, there was no forcible felony. They didn’t engage in a high‑speed pursuit,” Rickman said.
Rickman added that the plaintiffs will argue the FHP trooper’s actions set off a chain of events that ultimately led to the crash. “What the plaintiffs are going to argue is that the pursuit started because of highway patrol, that the PIT maneuver was unsuccessful and basically the chain reaction of the unsuccessful PIT maneuver, the start of the pursuit all led to that vehicle entering Ybor City ultimately crashing, injuring and killing the people outside,” he explained.
He noted that a ruling finding Bradley’s liable could have broader implications for other businesses with outdoor seating near busy roads, potentially prompting changes to how such establishments protect patrons.
Responses from the named parties
Both the Florida Highway Patrol and the Tampa Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing standard practice for ongoing legal matters. Bradley’s on Seventh was also contacted for comment but did not respond.
Background of the incident
The crash occurred after a series of police actions that began with an aerial tracking of Sampson’s vehicle. The failed PIT maneuver and subsequent disengagement allowed the car to continue unchecked into the pedestrian‑heavy area of Ybor City’s historic district, where the bar’s patio is located. The tragedy has reignited discussion about police pursuit policies and the safety of outdoor dining venues in high‑traffic urban areas.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the victims and their families, as well as punitive damages intended to deter future negligence by law‑enforcement agencies and businesses alike.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
