TAMPA, Fla. — A high-speed police chase culminated in a tragic collision in Ybor City early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving 11 others injured, as reported by the Tampa Police Department.

At approximately 12:40 a.m., TPD’s air service unit was tracking a car that was being driven erratically along I-275.

According to a TPD statement, “The driver persisted in reckless driving at excessive speeds, eventually exiting the interstate at Doyle Carlton Drive.”

The authorities suspect that the vehicle had been engaged in street racing on Hillsborough Avenue near 22nd Street prior to the incident.

As TPD’s air service unit continued to monitor the vehicle, around 12:45 a.m., TPD said officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers located the vehicle in the area of Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue

“FHP initiated a pursuit and attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver as the driver continued to travel at a high rate of speed toward Nebraska Avenue continuing eastbound on 7th Avenue,” TPD said. “FHP disengaged as the driver approached 7th Avenue.”

TPD said the driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, then lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a business, hitting more than a dozen people who were outside.

According to TPD, three people died at the scene, one person died at the hospital, one person was hospitalized in critical condition, and eight others were hospitalized and listed as “stable.”

TPD said two more victims suffered minor injuries and declined being treated on scene. According to the police department, all 15 victims are adults.

TPD said Sampson was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is the lead agency in the traffic crash investigation and will provide additional updates,” TPD said. “This remains an active investigation.”

“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” said TPD Chief Lee Bercaw. “Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”