TAMPA, FL, (November 8, 2025) – A 41-year-old Winter Haven woman, Lisa Sherell Johnson, was tragically killed early Saturday morning in Tampa’s Ybor City after a fleeing driver crashed into pedestrians, authorities said.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred around 12:40 a.m. when 22-year-old Silas Sampson, driving a Toyota Camry, fled from an attempted traffic stop by Tampa police. Troopers said a pursuit was initiated but called off near 7th Avenue due to safety concerns. Moments later, Sampson’s vehicle struck a Mazda at North 15th Street before careening onto the sidewalk near The Copper Shaker bar, striking several pedestrians, including Johnson.
Johnson died at the scene from her injuries. Sampson was later arrested and taken to the Hillsborough County Jail, where he faces charges of vehicular homicide and fleeing to elude a crash involving death.
