A Temple Terrace police officer has been arrested in connection with an April 15 crash on East Fowler Avenue that later killed a 6-year-old girl, and city officials say he has been fired from the department.
City officials announced the arrest on April 30, identifying the officer as 25-year-old Zachary Krug and confirming that his employment with the Temple Terrace Police Department had been terminated, according to Tampa Bay 28. In a written statement, the city added, "We fully support the Florida Highway Patrol's independent investigation and the actions they are taking based on their findings," the outlet reported.
Troopers' Account of the Crash
The Florida Highway Patrol says the collision happened just before 3:45 p.m. on April 15 at the intersection of East Fowler Avenue and North Drive. Investigators say a Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 36-year-old woman attempted a U-turn and moved into the path of a westbound Temple Terrace police Ford Explorer. Both vehicles spun out and came to rest in a ditch. Everyone involved was taken to area hospitals, and the 6-year-old passenger later died from her injuries, the FHP told FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
Department Response and Officer Status
Temple Terrace officials offered condolences to the child's family and said they turned the case over to state troopers to avoid any conflict of interest. The city report notes that Krug had been hired on Jan. 2, 2024. It did not list any specific charges connected to the April 30 announcement of his arrest, Tampa Bay 28 reported.
What Happens Next
The Florida Highway Patrol is carrying out an independent investigation and has said it will release its findings, along with any potential charges, when the probe is complete, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Prosecutors or the FHP are expected to announce whether formal charges will follow the arrest once that investigation wraps up.
