Man tased by police tumbles in traffic, gets killed by oncoming car, FL cops say

A handcuffed man died under unusual circumstances when he was tased by a police officer, fell in traffic and was run over by an oncoming car, according to investigators in Florida.

It happened around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, during a chase near MacDill Park on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

“The suspect ... was arrested for charges related to an ongoing investigation. While speaking to officers, the suspect, while still in handcuffs, pulled away from officers and escaped by suddenly running,” Tampa police said in a news release.

“One officer deployed their taser and the suspect subsequently fell into the road onto oncoming traffic. A vehicle fatally struck the suspect.“

The man, identified as 35-year-old Zachary Groff, died at the scene, police said. He was a suspect in an auto burglary and handgun theft that occurred earlier in the day, officials said.

The driver of the Mercedes involved in the crash stopped and is cooperating with the investigation, police said.

“This tragic incident, beginning with a stolen firearm, underscores the complex challenges officers face daily, particularly when illegal narcotics, criminal behavior, and mental health issues intersect,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a news release.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading an investigation into the incident, which is considered an “in-custody death,” police said. An internal investigation is also underway to determine if proper procedures were followed.

This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 7:21 AM with the headline "Man tased by police tumbles in traffic, gets killed by oncoming car, FL cops say."