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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department has identified the officer who died and another who was injured in a crash in Clairemont following a pursuit Monday night.
Officer Austin Machitar, 30, of San Diego, was a five-and-a-half year veteran of the department and assigned to the SDPD’s Northern Division. He is survived by his parents and sister, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during a press conference Tuesday evening.
Machitar’s patrol partner, Zachary Martinez, of Texas, was critically injured in the collision. Wahl expressed that Martinez has a “very long road to go” and that his “list of injuries are numerous.”
The pursuit suspect was also killed in the collision.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the area of 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. after a pursuit was called off for a vehicle that did not pull over while traveling down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard at a high rate of speed, according to SDPD.
Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle collided with the side of a patrol car with two officers inside.
Several other civilian vehicles also became entangled in the crash, per SDPD.
Two killed, including SDPD officer, in crash after high-speed pursuit
Machitar and the suspect were pronounced dead at the scene, while Martinez sustained critical injuries.
Wahl reflected on both victims during his press conference Tuesday.
“Austin was the kind of guy you want on your team. He was athletic, he was a competitor, he had a passion for training, he was one of our field training officers,” Wahl said about Machitar who trained Martinez in 2023.
“Austin had a very infectious smile, he had a character that made him one of a kind,” Wahl continued. “I can’t imagine what his parents are going through right now, our focus is going to be helping them grieve and get through this process.”
Martinez, who has been with SDPD for about a year-and-a-half, is a Navy Reservist and EMT.
“His heart is into helping people, we are very optimistic he is going to be OK, but he has a very long road to go,” Wahl said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also released a statement on the officers:
“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of San Diego’s finest, Officer Austin Machitar. His distinguished service to our city makes him a hero. I offer the deepest condolences of the city to Austin’s family and loved ones. We pray for the full recovery of his patrol partner, Zachary Martinez, who was gravely injured in the crash. The City, in partnership with the San Diego Police Officers Association, will support both families in every way possible as they navigate the coming days. San Diego is grateful to our brave police officers who put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep us safe. Your sacrifices are appreciated and will never be forgotten.”
Governor Gavin Newsom called the loss of Machitar “tragic” and that he and Jennifer “are heartbroken.”
“His loved ones, friends and colleagues at the San Diego Police Department are in our hearts during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his fellow officer who was seriously injured,” Newsom said in the statement.
The San Diego Police Officers Association posted a tribute to Machitar on Facebook.
“In this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything for our safety. His integrity, dedication and heroism will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones. Please consider donating to the Fund a Hero link porac.org/fundraiser/sandiegopd_officers/ to assist Austin’s family and his partner’s, who remains in critical condition at the hospital,” the nonprofit organization said.
The Sweetwater Union High School District also extended its “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar.”
“As a graduate of Otay Ranch High School and a dedicated member of our community, Officer Machitar’s contributions will be remembered. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss,” the school district said.
FOX 5/KUSI’s Danielle Dawson contributed to this story.
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