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Push for increased penalties during chase, crashes
Sunday marks one year since a deadly crash in Ybor City that claimed the lives of four people and injured 13 others. The suspect is accused of leading FHP troopers on a chase that ended at Bradley's on 7th. Now as he awaits trial, one USF student and safety advocate is pushing to increase penalties. FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - One year after a deadly crash outside Bradley's on 7th, a USF student and safety advocate is pushing for tougher penalties for drivers who flee law enforcement and cause serious injuries or deaths.
Abraham Albadawi says the current mandatory minimum sentence is not enough and wants state lawmakers to increase it.
Ybor City crash aftermath
What we know:
On Nov. 8, 2025, 22-year-old Silas Sampson allegedly refused to stop for Florida Highway Patrol troopers, leading them on a high-speed pursuit into Ybor City.
Troopers eventually disengaged, but authorities say Sampson continued down Seventh Avenue. He lost control near 15th Street, crashed into another vehicle and then plowed into the outdoor patio at Bradley's on 7th.
Four people were killed, and 13 others were injured.
Sampson is facing nearly 60 charges, including fleeing at a high speed causing serious bodily injury or death. He is awaiting trial.
Mandatory minimum sentences
What's next:
Albadawi, a USF junior, wants to create an amendment that would increase the mandatory minimum prison sentence for fleeing to elude law enforcement when serious injury or death occurs.
He says the current mandatory minimum is three years in prison. Albadawi wants that increased to seven years.
He says the goal is to strengthen accountability and deter drivers from fleeing law enforcement.
Student safety advocacy
What they're saying:
Albadawi says the proposed change is about restoring public confidence in Florida's laws and making clear that drivers who cause harm while fleeing will face consequences.
He has already received support from local law enforcement and state representatives as he works to move the proposal forward.
Student campus campaigns
The backstory:
This is not Albadawi's first effort to push for change.
After the killings of USF doctoral students Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon earlier this year, he launched a Change.org petition, advocating for improved off-campus housing safety.
His advocacy helped influence USF's rollout of a voluntary off-campus housing safety initiative.
What's next:
Albadawi has additional calls scheduled with state representatives this week. He hopes to find a lawmaker willing to sponsor a bill that could be considered during the next state legislative session in March.
Another deadly crash
Why you should care:
The anniversary comes as Tampa police investigate another deadly crash involving a driver accused of fleeing.
Police say a driver took off from a traffic stop Saturday night before crashing into an SUV. The impact sent the SUV into a utility pole. One passenger was killed, and two others were injured. The driver left the scene, and police are still searching for them.
Police say they did not pursue the vehicle, but the incident has renewed attention on the dangers of drivers fleeing from law enforcement.
The Source: FOX 13 reporting, including an interview with USF student Abraham Albadawi, information about the Ybor City crash and charges against Silas Sampson, as well as statements from Tampa police about the separate weekend crash.