Vandals damaged the newly dedicated Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park in San Diego overnight, covering the memorial sign and surrounding areas with graffiti just days after the park's public dedication ceremony.
San Diego police discovered the vandalism Thursday morning when officers driving by noticed the memorial sign covered in paint. The park was dedicated to fallen Officer Austin Machitar this past Sunday in a public ceremony honoring his service to the community.
"To see this morning the level of disrespect by vandalizing this sign, vandalizing this entire park, I'm angered beyond words," Chief Scott Wahl said.
Machitar served in the San Diego Police Department for five years, spending much of his time in the Clairemont area. The park was named after him because of his strong connections to the Clairemont community.
The damage extends beyond just the memorial sign. Vandals also targeted sidewalks and a neighboring building throughout the park area.
Police estimate it will cost around $12,000 to replace the memorial. The total damage to the entire park, including the sidewalks and neighboring building, is expected to reach approximately $100,000.
CLICK HERE to watch Chief Wahl's statement.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)