SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department has identified the officer who died and another who was injured in a crash in Clairemont following a pursuit Monday night.
Officer Austin Machitar, 30, was a five-and-a-half year veteran of the department. He is survived by his parents and sister, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during a press conference Tuesday evening.
Machitar’s patrol partner, Zachary Martinez, was critically injured in the collision. Wahl expressed that Martinez has a “very long road to go” and that his “list of injuries are numerous.”
Two killed, including SDPD officer, in crash after high-speed pursuit
The pursuit suspect was also killed in the collision.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the area of 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. after a pursuit was called off for a vehicle that did pull over while traveling down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard at a high rate of speed, according to SDPD.
Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle collided with the side of a patrol car with two officers inside.
Several other civilian vehicles also became entangled in the crash, per SDPD.
Machitar and the suspect were pronounced dead at the scene, while Martinez sustained critical injuries.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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