San Diego police identify the officer killed in a collision with a speeding vehicle

2024-12-25 00:48:03 source:lotradecoin analytics category:News

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A San Diego police officer killed when a fleeing vehicle crashed into his patrol car had been with the department since 2019, authorities said.

Officer Austin Machitar, 30, died in the collision late Monday and his partner that night, Officer Zach Martinez, 27, was critically injured, the department said.

The driver of the speeding car also was killed. No information about the driver was released.

The department said Machitar was assigned to patrol, served as a field training officer and actively participated in videos and photoshoots intended to recruit new officers.

“His distinguished service to our city makes him a hero,” Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement.

Martinez was in critical but stable condition at a hospital, according to the police statement Tuesday night. There was no update Wednesday morning. Martinez has been with the department for 1 1/2 years and is a former trainee of Machitar, police said.

According to initial information from police, an officer saw the speeding vehicle and briefly gave chase before a supervisor canceled the pursuit. Machitar and Martinez were responding when the speeding vehicle crashed into the side of their patrol car.

The crash is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol.

More:News

Recommend

Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Cooler temperatures, calmer winds and a chance of rainfall in Southern Califor

How Travis Barker’s Daughter Alabama Barker Gets Her Lip Filler to Look Natural

Alabama Barker's lips are not sealed about her cosmetic work. Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler's dau

Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment set at 3.2% — less than half of the current year's increase

The Social Security Administration said its 2024 cost-of-living adjustment will be 3.2%, a much smal