Ex-Temple Terrace Officer Charged After 104 MPH Crash That Killed 6-Year-Old

Former Temple Terrace police officer Zachary Krug has been charged after investigators say he was driving 104 mph in a 50 mph zone when he collided with an SUV, killing a six-year-old passenger and injuring other family members.

Crash Details

Prosecutors allege Krug was running late for his shift and activated the emergency lights on his unmarked vehicle to get through a red light. He then accelerated to more than twice the posted limit before striking an SUV carrying Samantha Sakowski and her three children.

Victims and Injuries: Samantha Sakowski suffered broken ribs and two black eyes. One child sustained a concussion. Another child suffered a broken spine and pelvis and was placed into a medically induced coma. Six-year-old Leila later died from her injuries.

Legal and Department Actions

Krug was dismissed from the Temple Terrace Police Department and now faces criminal charges including vehicular homicide and reckless driving. His attorney says Krug was following a speeding vehicle at the time, but the county prosecutor says investigators found no evidence of another driver.

Investigation ongoing: Authorities continue to review evidence, including vehicle data and witness statements, as the case moves through the criminal process.

This case highlights ongoing questions about the use of emergency equipment, officer driving practices, and accountability when police vehicles are involved in high-speed incidents on public roads.