San Diego police identify police officer killed in traffic accident

Editor's note: A video previously attached to this article has been removed because some facts were questionable.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department has identified the officer killed and another injured in a traffic crash following a chase in Clairemont Monday night.

Officer Austin Machitar, 30, of San Diego, had been with the police force for five and a half years and was assigned to the SDPD's Northern Division. He leaves behind his parents and sister, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during a news conference Tuesday evening.

Machitar's patrol partner, 27-year-old Zachary Martinez of Texas, was seriously injured in the collision. Wahl said Martinez still has “a very long road ahead of him” and his “list of injuries is long.”

The pursuer was also killed in the collision.

The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the area of ​​5200 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard after a chase was called off due to a vehicle failing to stop at a high rate of speed on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, according to the SDPD.

Shortly thereafter, the suspect's vehicle collided with the side of a patrol car carrying two officers.

According to SDPD, several other civilian vehicles were also involved in the accident.

Two dead, including an SDPD officer, in accident following chase

Machitar and the suspect were pronounced dead at the scene, while Martinez suffered serious injuries.

During his press conference on Tuesday, Wahl thought of both victims.

“Austin was the 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 coaches,” Wahl said of Machitar, who coached Martinez in 2023.

“Austin had a very infectious smile, he had a character that made him unique,” Wahl continued. “I can't imagine what his parents are going through right now. Our focus will be to help them grieve and get through this process.”

Martinez, who has been with the SDPD for about a year and a half, is a Marine reservist and emergency medical technician.

“He cares about helping people. We are very optimistic that he will be OK, but he still has a long way to go,” Wahl said.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also issued a statement to the officers:

“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of San Diego's finest police officers, Officer Austin Machitar. His outstanding service to our city makes him a hero. I extend the city's deepest condolences to Austin's family and loved ones. We pray for the full recovery of his fellow patrol officer, Zachary Martinez, who was seriously injured in the accident. The city, in partnership with the San Diego Police Officers Association, will support both families in any way possible in the days ahead. San Diego is grateful to our brave police officers who put themselves in harm's way every day to protect us. Their sacrifices will be honored and never forgotten.”

Governor Gavin Newsom called Machitar's loss “tragic” and said he and Jennifer were “heartbroken.”

“His family, friends and colleagues at the San Diego Police Department are in our hearts during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his colleague who was seriously injured,” Newsom said in the statement.

The San Diego Police Officers Association posted a tribute to Machitar on Facebook.

“During this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything to keep us safe. His integrity, dedication and heroism will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Please consider donating to Fund a Hero (link porac.org/fundraiser/sandiegopd_officers/) to support Austin's family and that of his partner, who remains in critical condition in the hospital,” the nonprofit 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, we will remember Officer Machitar's contributions. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” the school district said.

Danielle Dawson of FOX 5/KUSI contributed to this story.

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