Getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always a bad idea and can lead to dangerous or even deadly consequences. Arizona law under Arizona Revised Statute A.R.S.28-1381 prohibits anyone who is under the influence of drugs to be in physical control of a motor vehicle.
ABC 15 reports that Mesa Police officers have arrested a man earlier this week for his role in the death of a bicyclist while he was under the influence of drugs.
Zachary Taylor, 29, was arrested for intoxication after an accident that happened on Tuesday, July, 8th at approximately 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Higley Road and McDowell Road in Mesa.
A spokesperson for the Mesa Police Department said in a statement that Taylor, who was traveling eastbound on McDowell Road, allegedly allowed his car to drift into the bicycle lane before hitting the bicyclist, Scott Purdie, 67, who was also traveling eastbound.
Purdie was wearing bright reflective gear at the time of the accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Taylor stayed at the scene of the crash and cooperated with the police. Police officers at the scene said that Taylor did show signs of impairment. During questioning by a drug recognition expert, he admitted to police that he had been using both heroin and methadone at the time.
Taylor was arrested and is facing the charges of manslaughter, one count of possession of narcotics, a charge of being in possession of drug paraphernalia and other related charges.