Officer Austin Machitar dies in fatal San Diego pursuit crash
Officer Austin Machitar dies in fatal San Diego pursuit crash
Fatal San Diego pursuit crash death of Officer Austin Machitar – Obituary
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department has confirmed that Officer Austin Machitar tragically lost his life in a high-speed pursuit crash late Monday night. Officer Zach Martinez, who was Machitar’s former trainee and occasional patrol partner, remains in critical but stable condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital, according to SDPD Chief Scott Wahl.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive. The officers were responding to a high-speed chase when the fleeing driver collided with their vehicle.
The pursuit began when officers attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle. When the driver refused to stop, a high-speed chase ensued.
The collision resulted in the death of the fleeing driver, as well as the tragic death of Officer Machitar at the scene. Two additional drivers involved in the crash sustained no injuries.
The California Highway Patrol has been asked to conduct a thorough investigation and reconstruction of the crash.
In response, the San Diego Police Officers Association has set up a Fund a Hero donation page to support the families of the officers involved, with contributions directed to the Machitar and Martinez families.
Officer Austin Machitar dies in fatal San Diego pursuit crash Fatal San Diego pursuit crash death of Officer Austin Machitar – Obituary SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department has confirmed that Officer Austin Machitar tragically lost his life in a high-speed pursuit crash late Monday night. Officer Zach Martinez, who was Machitar’s former…
Officer Austin Machitar dies in fatal San Diego pursuit crash Fatal San Diego pursuit crash death of Officer Austin Machitar – Obituary SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department has confirmed that Officer Austin Machitar tragically lost his life in a high-speed pursuit crash late Monday night. Officer Zach Martinez, who was Machitar’s former…