Tampa Police Provide An Update On In-Custody Death Investigation News Tampa Police TAMPA, FL. (October 8, 2025) - - Tampa Police are releasing updated information and body-worn[...]

TAMPA, FL. (October 8, 2025) - - Tampa Police are releasing updated information and body-worn camera video of the events leading to an in-custody death investigation.

Just before 1:00 pm on October 7, 2025, Tampa Police responded to the report of an auto burglary in the 100 block of S. Habana Ave. The victim reported seeing a white male suspect in the driver seat of his vehicle. The victim confronted the suspect, who walked away carrying a backpack and skateboard. The victim later realized his backpack, which had a firearm inside, was missing from his car. He reported the incident and suspect description to police.

At 1:22 pm, an alert was placed to officers, providing a description of the suspect and the reported theft of the loaded 9mm handgun.

Later that night, just after 8:00 pm, Tampa Police Officers conducting pro-active patrols in MacDill Park, located at 100 N. Ashley Dr., detained a man who, based on investigative leads they had developed, was believed to be the earlier auto burglary and gun theft suspect. They asked the subject, now identified as 35-year-old Zachary Groff (white male, 8/29/1990), for his identification. As he pulled a credit card from his pocket, officers observed a large piece of crack cocaine falling to the ground. Groff was placed in custody on the narcotics charge, handcuffed, and seated on a park bench.

As officers continued their investigation, Groff jumped from the bench and ran from the scene. As Groff was running, one officer deployed their taser. Groff then fell into the roadway where he was struck by a Mercedes sedan. Although officers immediately attempted to provide life-saving measures, Groff died at the scene.

His next of kin has been notified.

"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," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Our focus remains on community safety and a thorough, transparent investigation."

The adult male driver of the Mercedes, who showed no signs of impairment, remained on-scene fully cooperative with the investigation.

Per policy, FDLE will take the lead on the in-custody death investigation. The Tampa Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit will investigate the crash.

None of the officers involved listed below have any history of prior use-of-force discipline.

Collin Parker (white male, 8 years with TPD); Kevin Koppe (white male, 5 years); Christopher Wilson (white male, 5 years); Hansel Sosa Rodriguez (Hispanic male, 4 years).

The Tampa Police Professional Standards Bureau is conducting an internal investigation to ensure the officers involved adhered to all department policies and procedures.

The initial release is linked here: https://www.tampa.gov/news/2025-10/suspect-killed-crash-during-police-investigation-174551

Body-worn Camera Footage of the incident can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/2mPHONpVx9c