San Diego Officer Killed in Pursuit Crash

San Diego mourns the loss of Officer Austin Machitar, who died in a high-speed pursuit crash on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard late Monday night, and prays for the recovery of his critically injured partner, Zachary Martinez. The crash occurred when a speeding BMW, driven by a teen suspect who fled a traffic stop, collided with the officers' vehicle. The suspect also died in the collision. Machitar, a 30-year-old father of four and five-and-a-half-year veteran of the force, was praised for his dedication and infectious character. Martinez, an 18-month department member and Navy reservist, faces a long recovery. The California Highway Patrol will conduct a full investigation, and a donation campaign has been launched to support the officers' families.