The San Diego Police Department has identified the officer who died and another who was critically injured when responding to a high-speed pursuit on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard late Monday night.
In a news conference Tuesday evening, SDPD Chief Scott Wahl said Austin Machitar was the officer who died at the scene. Zach Martinez who was still in critical condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital as of Tuesday evening.
Chief Wahl said they are optimistic that Martinez will survive but it will be a long recovery.
The fiery crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive,
Chief Wahl said the chase began when different officers tried to pull over a speeding vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and continued to speed away, initiating the pursuit.
Officers Machitar and Martinez were responding to the chase when the fleeing driver collided into their vehicle at the intersection.
According to OnScene TV reporters, the speeding driver who was being pursued and who crashed into the two officers' police cruiser was reported to be a 14 or 15 year old boy who died in the crash.
Two other drivers involved in the multi-vehicle wreck were OK according to SDPD.. At Chief Wahl's request, the California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation and full reconstruction of the crash.
The San Diego Police Officers Association has created a Fund a Hero donation page to support the families of the officers. The money will go directly to the Machitar and Martinez families.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued the following statement on the death of Officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday night in a collision. Machtar’s patrol partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, was critically injured in the collision and is hospitalized.
“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.”
(Photo reporting partner 10News)