TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested a Temple Terrace police officer following a criminal investigation into a mid-April traffic collision that claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl. The Florida Highway Patrol took Zachary Krug into custody on April 30, 2026, roughly two weeks after the fatal incident on East Fowler Avenue.
The crash occurred on April 15 when a Nissan Pathfinder, driven by a 36-year-old Tampa woman, attempted a U-turn at the intersection of North Drive. Krug, 25, was traveling westbound in a department Ford Explorer when he struck the SUV.
While all five people involved were initially hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, a 6-year-old passenger in the Nissan later died.
Following the arrest, the Temple Terrace Police Department announced it has terminated Krug’s employment. Krug had been with the department since January 2, 2024.
READ: Death Investigation Underway Following Discovery At Hernando County Jail
An internal administrative review conducted by the city determined that Krug’s actions violated department policy, city regulations, and state law. In an official statement, the department noted that the conduct leading to the arrest was “not consistent with our policies, our training, or the expectations we place on our officers.”
“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,” the department stated.
Temple Terrace officials confirmed they fully support the Florida Highway Patrol’s independent investigation and will continue to cooperate as the legal process moves forward. Details regarding the specific charges Krug faces have not yet been released.
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