Shortly after 11:30pm on Monday, August 26, 2024, officers from the San Diego Police Department witnessed a vehicle traveling at an excessively high rate of speed on surface streets and initiated a traffic stop. The driver did not yield, and a short pursuit ensued. Due to the high rate of speed by the fleeing suspect vehicle, a supervisor terminated the pursuit.
SDPD Officer Austin Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez were responding to the area to assist if needed when the fleeing vehicle struck their patrol unit as they were passing through the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive.
Officer Austin Machitar died at the scene. Officer Zachary Martinez was last listed in critical but stable condition.
Officer Machitar was a 5 ½ -year veteran of the San Diego Police Department and a native son of the area, having grown up in Chula Vista. Last month he celebrated his 30th birthday. He is survived by his parents and sister.
PORAC has established a memorial fund for Officers Machitar and Martinez: porac.org/fundraiser/sandiegopd_officers/
Additional details and funeral information will be provided as available.