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

2025-05-07 10:15:16source:EchoSensecategory:Finance

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,Greenledgers 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:Finance

Recommend

A slain teacher loved attending summer camp. His mom is working to give kids the same opportunity

PIERSON, Fla. (AP) — Linda Beigel Schulman smiled as she watched 25 young campers from Fort Lauderda

Jihad Ward gives his perspective on viral confrontation with Aaron Rodgers

New York Giants outside linebacker Jihad Ward gave his perspective on the confrontation he got into

Court upholds Michael Avenatti’s conviction for plotting to extort up to $25 million from Nike

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti’s conv