Fatal Collision - Arrest

On July 9th, 2019 just after 5 pm a bicyclist was traveling East on McDowell just West of Higley Road when he was struck by a vehicle also traveling Eastbound. The bicyclist (identified as 67 year old Scott Purdie) was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The collision investigation determined that the vehicle had drifted into the bike lane striking the bicyclist. The driver showed numerous signs of impairment and a Drug Recognition Expert was called to the scene. After a thorough investigation the driver was arrested for one count of manslaughter. The driver later admitted to using Heroin and Methadone and further admitted to using Methamphetamine earlier in the week. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of Heroin and drug paraphernalia. The driver was identified as 29 year old Zachary Taylor. He has been charged with one count of manslaughter, narcotic drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.