Austin Machitar Obituary, Death – The San Diego Police Department has released the names of the officer who lost his life and another who sustained critical injuries while responding to a high-speed chase on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard late Monday night.
According to SDPD Chief Scott Wahl, Officer Austin Machitar was the individual who died at the scene, while his partner, Officer Zach Martinez, remained in critical condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital as of Tuesday evening.
The tragic and fiery incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive, as reported by the department.
Chief Wahl indicated that the pursuit began when other officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle, but the driver refused to comply and continued to flee, prompting the chase.
Machitar and Martinez were en route to assist with the pursuit when the fleeing driver collided with their vehicle at the intersection. The driver being pursued was also pronounced dead at the scene, as stated by Wahl during a press conference. Fortunately, two other drivers involved in the multi-vehicle accident were unharmed, according to SDPD.
At the request of Chief Wahl, the California Highway Patrol is undertaking an investigation and comprehensive reconstruction of the crash.
In support of the officers’ families, the San Diego Police Officers Association has established a Fund a Hero donation page, with contributions directed to the families of Machitar and Martinez.