TAMPA, Fla. – Police say one person was killed and two others injured early Tuesday morning when a man allegedly drove a semi-trailer into a strip club from which witnesses said he had just been thrown.
According to Tampa Police, officers responded at 4:19 a.m. to reports that a truck had struck at least one person in the parking lot of Tampa Emperors Gentlemen’s Club (5718 East Adamo Drive).
What you need to know
- One man was killed and two others injured when a semi-trailer drove into Tampa Emperors Gentlemen’s Club on Tuesday morning
- Witnesses said the man accused of driving the truck was thrown out of the club shortly before the accident
- Investigators believe that charges will be brought against the suspected driver, who is in critical condition; he is 25 years old
When officers arrived, they found that the truck had crashed into the front area of the building that leads to the entrance.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspected driver was thrown out of the club immediately before the truck crashed into a group of people standing at the entrance.
Tampa Emperors Gentlemen’s Club
According to the TPD, one man was killed in the accident. Two others were injured but are expected to survive their injuries, police said.
According to investigators, the suspected driver, who is currently in critical condition in hospital, has been arrested. He is 25 years old.
Police said the man is expected to face charges in connection with the accident.
“Violence is never the answer,” said Police Major Patrick Messmer. “It doesn’t matter whether the violence is carried out with a firearm or a truck is used as a weapon.”
“This is an incredibly tragic and completely preventable incident,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a press release. “We will work to bring justice to the victims and their families. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the innocent bystanders who witnessed this horrific ordeal.”
Tampa Police work crime scene at Tampa Emperors Gentlemen’s Club
