The Tempe Police Department has placed Officer Zachary Hyde on administrative leave after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, as confirmed by officials. According to a FOX 10 Phoenix report, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) initiated a DUI investigation into Hyde early on July 31, 2024, leading to his arrest. "Any time a criminal investigation is brought to our attention about one of our officers, we take the matter very seriously," the Tempe Police statement emphasized.
In a recent update, court documents revealed by ABC15 showed that Hyde was cited for DUI close to 19th Avenue and West Alameda Road after troopers observed him driving significantly below the speed limit, a mere 10 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone which drew the attention of the authorities and eventually led to the traffic stop that precipitated the citation for suspected impaired driving. Officer Hyde, who has served with the department for two years, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
Officer Hyde was notably recognized for his contributions to DUI prevention, having been honored at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Law Enforcement recognition banquet just over one month ago. A previously shared post from the Tempe Police Department lauded Hyde and another officer for receiving the Hero Award, stating, "Congratulations to Officer Zachary Hyde and Officer Gavin Young. Last night both received the Hero Award at the 35th annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving Law Enforcement recognition banquet. Your hard work and diligence to ensuring the safety of our streets was recognized tonight among Officers from the whole State of Arizona," as noted by ABC15. This turn of events brings a stark contrast to the officer's recent commendations.
The executive director for MADD, interviewed by ABC15, confirmed awareness of the arresting developments surrounding Hyde. MADD regularly honors officers across Arizona for their efforts in DUI prevention and enforcement, with the nominations coming directly from their respective police departments for work carried out throughout the previous year. Details about the traffic arrest are currently scarce. DPS has refrained from providing further information at this time. The internal investigation within the Tempe Police Department continues, as does the broader inquiry by DPS into the incident.
