San Diego – Late Monday night, two San Diego Police Officers responding to a vehicle pursuit were involved in a collision near the 5200 block of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in San Diego.

Tragically, San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar lost his life in the incident. Officer Machitar joined the department in 2019 and was assigned to patrol at SDPD’s Northern Division. During his time with SDPD, Officer Machitar served as a Field Training Officer and took an active role in recruiting new officers by participating in recruiting videos and photoshoots for the department. Officer Machitar was 30 years old.

Officer Zach Martinez, who was also involved in the collision, is in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. Officer Martinez has been with SDPD for 1.5 years and is assigned to patrol at SDPD’s Northern Division. Officer Martinez was a former trainee of Officer Machitar in December 2023, and occasionally the two would ride together on patrol shifts. Officer Martinez is 27 years old.

The suspect in the incident died at the scene.

Due to the enormity of the situation, the San Diego Police Department requested the California Highway Patrol conduct an independent investigation of the collision. This is an ongoing investigation.

SDPD extends our heartfelt thanks to the San Diego community and the many law enforcement agencies that have reached out with their support.

Anyone wishing to assist the officers or their families, please visit sdpoa.org for more information.