Around 12:40 a.m., the department’s Air Force unit observed a vehicle traveling at high speed and recklessly on Interstate 275, which was the same vehicle seen earlier racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street, troopers said.
Around 12:40 a.m., the department’s Air Force unit observed a vehicle traveling at high speed and recklessly on Interstate 275, which was the same vehicle seen earlier racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street, troopers said.
Authorities said the driver exited the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive in downtown Tampa. Five minutes later, Tampa police officers and FHP officers spotted it near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue.
Officers began pursuing the vehicle and attempted to disable it using a PIT maneuver, but were unsuccessful.
Officials said the driver then sped toward Nebraska Avenue, then eastbound on 7th Avenue.
FHP said officers ended the pursuit as the driver approached 7th Avenue.
According to Tampa Police Department (TPD), the driver eventually lost control and crashed into Bradley’s car on the 7th. The vehicle struck more than a dozen people on the patio of a popular gay bar.
Three people died at the scene, officials said. The fourth victim died at the hospital. Of the 11 injured, one is hospitalized in critical condition, while the other eight are in stable condition. The two victims escaped with minor injuries, but refused medical treatment at the scene. All 15 victims are adults.
MNA