Austin Machitar dies in fatal Clairemont car crash
Austin Machitar dies in fatal Clairemont car crash
Fatal Clairemont car crash death of Austin Machitar – Obituary
A roadside tribute of flowers, candles, and beer cans was placed near the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive following a tragic incident. The driver responsible for a brief police chase in Clairemont that ended with a deadly crash, killing a San Diego officer, has been identified as 16-year-old Edgar Giovanny Oviedo.
Oviedo first attracted police attention around 11:30 p.m. Monday while speeding east on Clairemont Boulevard in a BMW sedan, according to statements from San Diego police and the county Medical Examiner’s Office. When the BMW failed to stop, an officer initiated a short pursuit. However, the chase was quickly called off due to dangerous speeds.
Meanwhile, two other officers in a patrol car were driving north on Doliva Drive in response to the situation. It was at the intersection that the BMW collided with the side of their vehicle, causing the patrol car to burst into flames. Officer Austin Machitar, 30, who was behind the wheel of the cruiser, tragically died. His partner, Officer Zach Martinez, 27, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained critical injuries. Authorities have not yet provided an update on Martinez’s current condition.
Oviedo was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, according to the medical examiner. Oviedo’s family shared that the teen had gone to pick up food before the police pursuit began.
The California Highway Patrol has taken charge of investigating the collision.
A fundraising effort for the officers and their families had garnered over $144,000 by Thursday afternoon.
Machitar was an Otay Ranch High School graduate and had served with the San Diego Police Department for 5½ years. Both he and Martinez, a 1½-year veteran, were based out of the Northern Division station in University City.
Austin Machitar dies in fatal Clairemont car crash Fatal Clairemont car crash death of Austin Machitar – Obituary A roadside tribute of flowers, candles, and beer cans was placed near the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive following a tragic incident. The driver responsible for a brief police chase in Clairemont that ended…
Austin Machitar dies in fatal Clairemont car crash Fatal Clairemont car crash death of Austin Machitar – Obituary A roadside tribute of flowers, candles, and beer cans was placed near the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive following a tragic incident. The driver responsible for a brief police chase in Clairemont that ended…