Temple Terrace police officer arrested in connection to fatal crash that killed child

Previous story above: 6-year-old dies in crash involving Temple Terrace police officer TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. (WFLA)—A Temple Terrace police officer has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash that killed a 6-year-old girl. According to the Temple Terrace Police Department, the officer, Zachary Krug, 25, involved in the crash, was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol. According to FHP, the police officer was approaching North Drive at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The police department released the following statement: We remain deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from this crash and extend our continued condolences to the victim's family and loved ones. We fully support the Florida Highway Patrol's independent investigation and the actions they are taking based on their findings. The actions that led to this arrest are not consistent with our policies, our training, or the expectations we place on our officers. This incident does not reflect the professionalism and commitment demonstrated daily by the members of this department. FHP said troopers determined that Krug was traveling at an excessive speed and was the primary contributor to the fatal traffic crash. The TTPD conducted an internal administrative investigation in addition to the criminal investigation and found that the officer acted in violation of department policy, city rules and regulations, and applicable law. Based on the findings, the officer was terminated. On April 16, FHP responded to a crash near the intersection of East Fowler Avenue and North Drive just before 4 p.m. A Nissan Pathfinder, driven by a 36-year-old Tampa woman and carrying three girls ages 1, 6 and 8, made a U-turn and entered the path of an oncoming Ford Explorer SUV. A Temple Terrace Police Department cruiser driven by a 25-year-old man collided with another car. The vehicles ended up in a ditch next to the roadway. Everyone involved in the crash was taken to a nearby hospital, where the 6-year-old later died. Krug surrendered to FHP and was charged with vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.