Police Officer Austin Machitar, San Diego Police Department, California

Police Officer Austin Machitar

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Monday, August 26, 2024

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Austin Machitar

Police Officer Austin Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

An officer was pursuing a speeding vehicle that failed to yield for a traffic stop. When the pursuit reached a high rate of speed, it was called off. Officer Machitar and his partner were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Officer Machitar's patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames. Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the crash site. The other officer was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.

Officer Machitar had served with the San Diego Police Department for over five years. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 5 years, 5 months
Badge 7989

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile
Offender Died in the crash

traffic stop, vehicle pursuit

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Hearing your story and the lives you changed really opened my eyes especially for me as a recruit trying to become a man just like you. You will never be forgotten. Your name will not go unnoticed. You will forever hold a special place in my heart because you will be a huge memory for my life and for my class anybody who was able to meet you anybody who was able to talk to you anybody who was related to you in anyway Was a lucky person in your honor and in your memory, I will remember your sacrifice for this job when I am tired when I’m feeling sick and wanting to quit, I will push through just like you did many years ago. Thank you for your hard work and your sacrifice you will never be forgotten From class 481. Recruit LAGUNA.

LASD Eric Laguna
LASD

February 25, 2025