TEMPLE TERRACE — A Temple Terrace Police officer has been arrested and terminated following a fatal traffic crash on East Fowler Avenue, according to officials.
The Temple Terrace Police Department said it was notified that the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Officer Zachary Mason Krug in connection with the crash. The department confirmed Krug, 25, was hired on January 2, 2024.
According to investigators, the crash occurred on April 15, 2026 at 3:58 PM as a marked Temple Terrace Police Ford Explorer was traveling westbound in the center lane of East Fowler Avenue, approaching North Drive at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. At the same time, a Nissan Pathfinder was traveling eastbound in the turn lane and attempted a left turn at the intersection, entering the path of the police vehicle.
The vehicles collided, and both came to rest in a ditch on the north side of the roadway. All occupants were transported to area hospitals with injuries initially described as non-life-threatening. However, a 6-year-old girl who was a passenger in the Pathfinder later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Other occupants in the Pathfinder included a 36-year-old Tampa woman who was driving, along with two children, ages 1 and 8. The 8-year-old remains hospitalized.
Following an extensive traffic homicide investigation, troopers determined Krug’s excessive speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash. On April 30, 2026, he surrendered to authorities at the Hillsborough County Jail.
Krug faces one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.
In a statement, the police department said the officer’s actions were not consistent with departmental policy, training, or expectations. An internal administrative investigation, informed by the findings of the Florida Highway Patrol, concluded Krug violated department policy, city rules, and applicable law. Based on those findings, his employment has been terminated.
Officials expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said they will continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation.