Fil-Am police officer killed in accidental pursuit honored at memorial ceremony

SAN DIEGO — Filipino-American police officer Austin Machitar, killed in the line of duty last month, was honored Saturday at a memorial service in El Cajon. He was 30.

“Our city is united in mourning the loss of this courageous soul,” said Todd Gloria, San Diego’s Fil-Am Mayor, who paid special tribute to Machitar during the service at Shadow Mountain Community Church.

“He lived a life of service, courage and sacrifice. For five and a half years, he served our department knowing the risks, but never hesitating to protect and serve.”

Machitar was killed in a fiery crash in San Diego while chasing a suspect who allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop late at night.

Gloria said Machitar was known for having an “extremely positive attitude” and his infectious smile that was “as bright as the sunniest day in San Diego.”

“That smile, his charisma and his movie star looks have landed him in department brochures and videos, helping our city fill the ranks of our police department with some of the best people in San Diego,” he said.

Gloria said Machitar came from a family of public servants with a passion for helping others, citing his grandfather, who was a member of the U.S. Navy, and his father, retired San Diego Deputy Sheriff Chris Machitar.

Speaking to Chris Machitar, SDPD Police Chief Scott Wahl said, “You raised a great young man and an exemplary police officer. He was such a good kid and he had unlimited potential.”

The memorial service began with a prelude by pianist Michael Sanchez and a welcoming and opening prayer by San Diego Police Department Chaplain Chuck Price, who described Machitar as “funny, humble, charismatic, generous, genuine, trustworthy, respected and respectful.”

Special tributes were also paid by Sergeant Andrew Schidecker, Senator Steve Padilla, cousins ​​Julian Chanfreau and McKenzie Holt and his sister Asia Machitar.

“You were meant to make a difference and you did. It’s amazing how much of a positive impact you had on everyone, we miss you so much. Thank you for always being there, thank you for the encouragement, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the friendship and thank you for the memories. We’re here Austin, rest easy, you’re so loved,” said San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy Crystal Corona.

The ceremony ended after nearly three hours with a folding of the flag and a presentation by the SDPD honor guard, as well as a 21-gun salute.

On August 26 at 11:30 p.m., Officer Machitar was killed in a car accident at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

A police officer was chasing a speeding vehicle that failed to yield to a traffic stop. The pursuit was terminated when the speed reached a high level.

Officer Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27, were responding to the area of ​​the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car struck Officer Machitar's patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police vehicle to become engulfed in flames.

Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but survived the crash and was present and also honored at Machitar's ceremony. Officer Martinez was released from the hospital on September 3.

The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the accident.

“We miss you so much, Austin. What happened to you and Zach is so tragic, so angry and so unfair. I remember when you first started at North Division years ago. You were so eager to get involved and learn and you were always helpful and positive. You were truly there for all the right reasons. The radio calls and arrests come and go in our memories, but it’s the little things that we will remember forever. The department, the city and our community have lost someone truly irreplaceable,” said SDPD Officer Nick Marino.

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

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