A San Diego police officer was killed and another is “fighting for his life” following a multi-vehicle crash in Clairemont Mesa that also left the suspect dead late Monday, officials said.
The crash happened just after 11:30 p.m. on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard west of Interstate 805.
Wahl said officers spotted a vehicle traveling at “a high rate of speed” on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and tried to pull it over. The driver kept going, and the officers briefly gave chase, but the high speeds led a supervisor to call off the pursuit, the chief said.
Two other officers — Machitar and Martinez — were driving together in the same car, responding to the incident, when the fleeing car slammed into the side of their patrol vehicle, he said.
Machitar, who was driving, died at the scene, as did the suspect. Martinez was taken to a hospital and was in the intensive care unit.
“I can’t put into words the feelings that come at a time like this,” Wahl told reporters earlier Tuesday morning, standing with Mayor Todd Gloria and others. “When we have police officers coming to work, to make a difference, to help those in need, and they put their lives on the line for people they don’t even know. Last night, we lost a good one.”
The officer who was injured was identified as 27-year-old Zachary Martinez. He has been with the department for a year and a half.
The CHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team will investigate the crash. Known as MAIT, it’s a specialized unit designed to investigate complex collisions.
The crash comes as the Police Department has been asked to consider revising its pursuit policy.
The city’s Commission on Police Practices in July recommended several changes after reviewing more than 1,000 San Diego police pursuits. The commission found that most pursuits began over minor violations and that 1 in 5 pursuits over the past five years involved some kind of collision.
One suggested change would have officers only engage in pursuits over incidents related to a violent crime.
The policy review was launched after a driver allegedly fleeing police in a pursuit crashed into a family’s car in Mountain View in December, killing two young boys.
The San Diego Police Officers Association said a fund has been set up to assist the families of the two officers in the crash.
The fund is being handled by the Peace Officers Research Association of California, or PORAC, and it had raised more than $35,000 by Tuesday evening. A link to the donation page can be found at sdpoa.org. It can also be found directly on the PORAC website.
Machitar is the 35th officer killed in the line of duty with the San Diego Police Department, according to the police officers association.
Impact on the Community and Beyond
The tragedy has shaken the San Diego community, with Mayor Todd Gloria offering condolences to the families of the officers and urging residents to express their appreciation to law enforcement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also expressed his condolences and ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff in Machitar’s honor.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers on a daily basis and raises questions about pursuit policies and their impact on public safety.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. The CHP will work to determine the cause of the accident and any potential contributing factors. The San Diego Police Department will also conduct an internal review of its pursuit policies in light of the tragic incident.
The San Diego community is mourning the loss of Officer Machitar and praying for the recovery of Officer Martinez. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
In the wake of this tragedy, the San Diego Police Department is facing calls for reform of its pursuit policy. The incident has sparked a renewed focus on balancing public safety with the need to hold officers accountable.
The pursuit policy review, which was already underway, is now likely to be accelerated. The public is demanding answers and seeking to understand how such a tragic event could have occurred.
The San Diego Police Department is committed to transparency and will provide updates as they become available. The community will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds and as the department works to address the concerns raised by this incident.
The city of San Diego stands united in mourning the loss of a dedicated officer and in supporting the recovery of another. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day and the importance of community support for those who serve and protect.
The pursuit policy review is expected to be completed in the coming months. The results of the investigation will inform any changes to the department’s policies and procedures.
