Tempe Police Officer Arrested For DUI After Being Honored For DUI Prevention

A Tempe police officer who was recently celebrated for his efforts to prevent DUI incidents was arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly driving under the influence. Zachary Hyde, who was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his work in DUI prevention, was pulled over just after midnight, ABC 15 reported.

According to court records, Hyde was driving at about 10 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone when he was stopped by a state trooper. The Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that there was probable cause to believe Hyde was impaired, which led to his arrest.

The Tempe Police Department responded to the arrest with a statement: “Any time a criminal investigation is brought to our attention about one of our officers, we take the matter very seriously.” Hyde has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is being investigated. He was off-duty at the time of his arrest.

Just over a month ago, on June 30, Hyde and fellow Officer Gavin Young received the Hero Award at the 35th annual MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet. The award honored their dedication to ensuring the safety of Arizona’s roads through DUI prevention efforts.

The executive director of MADD has been informed of Hyde’s arrest. The incident has cast a shadow over the recent accolades and highlighted the importance of accountability within law enforcement.