Four people were killed and 11 others injured when a vehicle crashed into them in Ybor City, which borders Tampa, Florida, on Saturday.
The driver, a 22-year-old man from Dade City, was arrested, according to Fox13 News.
The publication spoke with Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaws, who said the events began to unfold at 12:30 a.m. Saturday after officers saw two vehicles racing near Hanna and Nebraska streets in Tampa. Vehicles were traveling westbound on Hillsborough Avenue.
The Tampa Police Department later released a statement in which Chief Bercaw said, “What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims and all those affected,” adding, “Reckless driving puts innocent lives at risk. The Tampa Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”
The statement also revealed that one other person is currently hospitalized in critical condition.
After one of the vehicles left the center on I-275 Southbound, the TDP Air Unit was able to track it down.
The Florida Highway Patrol joined the chase and followed the car to Nebraska Avenue and Palm Avenue. They intended to attempt a pit maneuver here.
The vehicle then traveled down busy 7th Avenue when it crashed into a business near 15th Street, striking people standing outside.
Among the deceased, three died at the scene, while one succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, according to Fox13 News. All of the victims are in their 20s, according to Chief Bercaw.
7th Avenue, between 15th and 18th streets, was closed for the investigation. They will reopen soon, according to investigators who spoke to local media.
Florida has recently seen an increase in cases of illegal racing following which the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) have issued measures to curb the same.
Troopers were authorized to arrest individuals even without warrants if there was reason to believe they were engaging in illegal auto racing activities, according to a blog post by law firm Darrigo & Diaz.
