Temple Terrace, Florida — A former Florida police officer has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges after prosecutors accused him of driving more than 100 mph on a busy roadway while allegedly running late for work, causing a devastating crash that killed a 6-year-old girl and seriously injured three other members of her family.
The defendant, 25-year-old Zachary Krug, is charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with the April 15 crash that claimed the life of Leila Sakowski.
According to prosecutors, the tragic collision occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. while Krug was on his way to begin his shift with the Temple Terrace Police Department.
Prosecutors Say Officer Was Traveling More Than Double the Speed Limit
Investigators allege Krug had stopped at a red light before activating the emergency lights on his unmarked police vehicle and proceeding through the intersection.
Authorities claim he then accelerated to 104 mph in a posted 50 mph zone, despite driving through an area lined with businesses and located near a school.
As Krug traveled west on Fowler Avenue, prosecutors say he approached the intersection with North Boulevard, where Samantha Sakowski was attempting either a left turn or a U-turn in her SUV.
Police allege Krug applied the brakes but was still traveling about 74 mph at the moment of impact, striking the passenger side of the family’s vehicle.
Young Girl Killed, Mother and Two Children Seriously Hurt
The crash left 6-year-old Leila Sakowski with critical injuries. She was transported to a hospital, where she later died.
Her mother, Samantha Sakowski, who was reportedly delivering for Uber Eats at the time, and her other two children—an 8-year-old and an 18-month-old—also suffered serious injuries.
According to information shared through a family fundraiser, the 8-year-old sustained a broken spine and pelvis and was placed into a medically induced coma, while Samantha suffered broken ribs and facial injuries. The toddler was treated for a concussion.
Defense Says Officer Was Chasing Another Driver
Krug’s attorney has disputed prosecutors’ version of events, arguing that the former officer was attempting to pursue another speeding vehicle before the crash occurred.
According to defense attorney Ralph Fernandez, another vehicle allegedly accelerated away after running a traffic signal, prompting Krug to begin following it under what he described as applicable law enforcement procedures.
However, prosecutors say their investigation found no evidence supporting the claim that Krug was actively pursuing another vehicle at the time of the collision.
Former Officer Fired as Criminal Case Moves Forward
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez sharply criticized the former officer’s alleged actions while announcing the charges.
“I am absolutely sickened by what happened on that afternoon. This was just a regular old Wednesday afternoon when this officer decided that what he needed to do was more important than what anybody else on the road was doing,” Lopez said.
She added:
“He endangered lives and he killed a 6-year-old girl by the choices that he made. No one is above the law, this now former officer was charged with protecting the public and keeping people safe, and he did the exact opposite of that.”
Longtime Disability Advocate Allegedly Beaten and Stabbed by Son in Scarsdale, Authorities Say
Following the crash, the Temple Terrace Police Department terminated Krug’s employment.
Court records show he later posted a $90,000 bond after being booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Krug has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against him remain subject to the ongoing criminal court process. As with all criminal defendants, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should law enforcement officers face tougher penalties when alleged misconduct behind the wheel leads to fatal crashes? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.