The suspect involved in the tragic crash that claimed the life of a San Diego police officer and left another critically injured has been identified as Edgar Giovanny Oviedo, a 16-year-old resident of San Diego. The fatal collision occurred late Monday night, around 11:30 p.m., on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, as confirmed by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Oviedo was driving a BMW sedan at the time of the incident. According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), a pursuit had been initiated after the BMW failed to pull over while speeding down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. However, the chase was called off shortly before the crash, which took place at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive. The BMW collided laterally with a northbound SDPD patrol vehicle that was entering the intersection.
Inside the patrol car were Officer Austin Machitar, 30, and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27. Tragically, Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Martinez, originally from Lubbock, Texas, sustained critical injuries in the crash and was rushed to a local hospital.
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San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl spoke with deep emotion during a press conference on Tuesday evening, paying tribute to Officer Machitar. “Austin was the kind of guy you want on your team. He was athletic, he was a competitor, he had a passion for training, he was one of our field training officers,” Wahl said, highlighting the officer’s dedication and the significant loss to the department.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the San Diego Police Department announces the tragic loss of Officer Austin Machitar #7989. Officer Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez #1901, were involved in a collision last night while responding to a vehicle pursuit. pic.twitter.com/1Do3TOxmTd
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) August 28, 2024
As for Officer Martinez, Chief Wahl indicated that while his injuries are severe, there is hope for recovery. “Martinez has a very long road to go,” Wahl said, noting that his “list of injuries is numerous,” but added, “I’m very optimistic he is going to be OK.”
The California Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Questions remain as to why Oviedo, a minor, was behind the wheel of a high-speed vehicle late at night and why the chase was terminated before the fatal collision occurred. These details will likely come to light as the investigation unfolds.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the San Diego community, with many mourning the loss of a dedicated officer and praying for the recovery of another. Officer Machitar’s legacy of service, commitment, and leadership will be remembered by those who served alongside him and the community he protected.
The San Diego Police Officers Association posted this on X, “It’s with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of Officer Austin Machitar. In this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything for our safety. His integrity, dedication and heroism will never be forgotten. Visit sdpoa.org to donate”
It’s with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of Officer Austin Machitar. In this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything for our safety. His integrity, dedication and heroism will never be forgotten. Visit https://t.co/HND5ZL1YuH to donate pic.twitter.com/xKH5GsYgW6
— San Diego Police Officers Association (@SDPOA) August 28, 2024
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