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

2025-05-08 09:14:50source:Alaric Bennettcategory:My

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,Evander Ellis 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:My

Recommend

South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech

SEOUL, Dec 12 - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's switch from contrition to defiance on Thursda

Kelly Osbourne Sends Love to Jamie Foxx as She Steps in For Him on Beat Shazam

Kelly Osbourne is praising Jamie Foxx amid his health battle.The 38-year-old reflected on taking ove

Why Adam Levine is Temporarily Returning to The Voice 4 Years After His Exit

Adam Levine is ready to take center stage on The Voice one more time.Four years after exiting the si