Tampa Police officers, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, arrested 31-year-old Charles Zumbahlen (white male, 01/02/1994) on charges stemming from the drug overdose death of 27-year-old Zachary Reed on November 25, 2024.
“This arrest should send a clear message that there is zero tolerance for this behavior in our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The Tampa Police Department is committed to holding these individuals accountable for the harm they cause.”
On November 25, 2024, just before 9:30 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of E 32nd Ave in reference to a deceased person. Upon arrival, they located Reed, in his bedroom. He was declared deceased on scene.
In Reed’s bedroom, his cell phone and a clear baggy with a white powdery substance were located. Through investigative means, it was determined that Zumbahlen was the last person seen with Reed before he died.
On November 26, 2024, after Zumbahlen left work, another law enforcement agency found narcotics in his possession during a traffic stop. Zumbahlen later disclosed to officers that he was co-workers with Reed, and he regularly supplied Reed with narcotics.
The narcotics found in Zumbahlen’s possession and the narcotics found in Reed’s bedroom at the time of his death were both confirmed to be a tranquilizer and fentanyl.
The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Reed’s cause of death to be a direct result of the effects of intoxication of fentanyl.
On February 13, 2025, Zumbahlen was arrested and charged with One Felony Count of First-Degree Murder Resulting from The Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl.