A tragic incident resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl in a high-speed collision involving a Florida police officer who allegedly drove at 104mph in a 50mph zone. The event occurred on April 15 when Zachary Krug, a 25-year-old officer with the Temple Terrace Police Department, was reportedly running late for his shift.
Around 3:30 p.m., Krug allegedly approached a red light, then activated the lights on his unmarked vehicle to speed through the intersection. He accelerated to 104 mph, eventually reaching Fowler Avenue and North Avenue, where he encountered a woman, Samantha Sakowski, who was making Uber Eats deliveries with her three children in the car.
Sakowski was maneuvering a turn at the intersection when Krug noticed her vehicle and attempted to brake. Despite his efforts, he collided with the family at approximately 74 mph, impacting the passenger side of their car. The collision left Sakowski and her children with severe injuries, with her 6-year-old daughter, Leila, tragically losing her life.
During a previous bond hearing in May, prosecutors presented dash camera footage allegedly showing Krug accelerating prior to the crash. The defense argues that Krug was on duty and trying to pursue another speeding motorist.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez rejected this argument, stating there was no evidence of Krug pursuing another vehicle. Lopez condemned Krug’s actions, emphasizing that his reckless driving led to the death of a child and endangered lives.
Following the incident, a GoFundMe page was set up by the victims’ family to support them. The elder sibling suffered a broken spine and pelvis and was in a medically induced coma, while Sakowski sustained broken ribs and two black eyes. The one-year-old child suffered a concussion.
The GoFundMe initiative has garnered over $19,000 in donations. An update on May 30 indicated that the eight-year-old child is making progress in her recovery and is expected to return home soon, albeit requiring ongoing therapy and medication.
Krug was terminated from his position at the Temple Terrace Police Department and was detained at Hillsborough County Jail. He posted a $90,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 13.
To support the victims’ family, donations can be made to the GoFundMe page.
