Video Released of Fight at Bad Monkey Bar

TAMPA, FL — As the investigation into an early Tuesday morning fight in Ybor City continues, Tampa Police have released surveillance video shot from the scene.

According to police, a fight broke out between several men at the Bad Monkey bar, 1717 E. 7th Ave., around 3:25 a.m. Nov. 15. One of the men involved in the fight, got into a vehicle and tried to flee the scene by attempting to make a U-turn on 7th Avenue, an email from police said. At that time, another man, Michael A. Silhol, 25, began hitting the Nissan’s driver with his fists as the car was trying to make the U-turn, police said.

As this was going on, police say the Nissan struck the curb and its driver accelerated and turned the car's front wheels left and right to try and complete the U-turn.

“As the affray continued, the victim eventually became positioned in front of the vehicle,” the email said. “At that time, the suspect turned the front wheels in a manner that allowed him to accelerate over the curb.”

The Nissan ultimately struck Silhol, causing minor injuries. It also crashed into the Bad Monkey, causing an estimated $15,000 in damages.

The driver took off on foot, police said. The car has been impounded.

Silhol was taken to a local hospital, but refused treatment, police said.

No arrests have been made, police said. It has also yet to be determined “whether the suspect intended to strike the victim with the vehicle or if the suspect unintentionally crashed into the victim and the building while attempting to complete the U-turn.”

No further information is available at this time.

Photo and video courtesy of the Tampa Police Department