Zachary Taylor was arrested this week in connection to the death of a bicyclist, 67 year-old Scott Purdie. Taylor has been charged with one count of manslaughter, narcotic drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Mesa Police, on July 9, 2019 just after 5:00 p.m., Mr. Purdie was traveling East on McDowell just West of Higley Road when he was struck by Taylor’s vehicle also traveling Eastbound.
Mr. Purdie was pronounced deceased at the scene and Taylor remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
The collision investigation determined that Taylor’s vehicle had drifted into the bike lane striking Mr. Purdie.
Taylor showed numerous signs of impairment, according to police, and a Drug Recognition Expert was called to the scene. Taylor admitted to using Heroin and Methadone and admitted to using Methamphetamine earlier in the week.
At the time of his arrest, Taylor was in possession of Heroin and drug paraphernalia.