State Attorney’s Office to File Additional Charges After Driver in Ybor Crash Tests Positive for Alcohol, Drugs

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, FL (December 2, 2025) — The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office will file several additional charges against Silas Sampson, the man accused of causing the deadly Ybor City crash that killed four people and injured several others. Toxicology results from the Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation confirms that the 22-year-old’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit and he had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. This new information will result in the following additional charges:

Sampson had previously been charged with five counts of fleeing to elude high speed, four counts of vehicular homicide, and two counts of reckless driving with serious bodily injury.

“Four people have lost their lives, and several others are still fighting to recover from devastating injuries because of this defendant’s choices. Each victim and grieving family is carrying a burden no one should ever have to bear, and our office stands with them during this painful time. We take impaired driving extremely seriously because it endangers every member of our community. We will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law to deliver justice to these victims and their families,’ said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Sampson was traveling at a high rate of speed down 7^th Avenue in Ybor City as he tried to avoid a car turning in front of him. Sampson crashed his vehicle into a crowd of people who were gathered in front of The Copper Shaker and Bradley’s. Video surveillance captures the entire incident and shows the defendant getting out of the vehicle to try to get away from officers at the scene. Sampson remains in custody without bond as he awaits trial.