Tempe Officer Arrested For DUI After Receiving Recognition For DUI Prevention

In an unexpected twist, a Tempe police officer who was recently lauded for his efforts to combat DUI incidents was arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly driving under the influence. Officer Zachary Hyde, celebrated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his dedication to DUI prevention, was pulled over by a state trooper just after midnight, according to ABC 15.

Court records indicate that Hyde was driving at a mere 10 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone, prompting the trooper to make the stop. The Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that there was probable cause to believe Hyde was impaired, leading to his arrest.

The Tempe Police Department responded to the arrest with a statement underscoring their commitment to accountability: “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 as the investigation proceeds. Notably, Hyde was off-duty at the time of the incident.

On June 30, Hyde, along with Officer Gavin Young, was honored with the Hero Award at the 35th annual MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet. The award celebrated their significant contributions to keeping Arizona’s roads safe from impaired drivers.

The executive director of MADD has been informed about Hyde’s arrest. This incident not only tarnishes Hyde’s recent recognition but also emphasizes the importance of upholding the law consistently, even among those who enforce it. The situation serves as a reminder of the critical need for integrity and responsibility within law enforcement.