Procession held to honor Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit crash

SAN DIEGO – A procession was held Friday to honor Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in a fiery crash while pursuing a suspect in San Diego.

First responders from the San Diego Fire-Rescue and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) stood with their vehicles on the bridges near the State route 52 interchange to pay tribute to SDPD Officer Michitar, who was on his way to his final resting place, FOX 5 reported.

Machitar’s body was being moved from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to El Camino Memorial in Sorrento Valley ahead of his funeral.

Community members have been mourning the loss of Machitar, bringing flowers and candles to the scene of the crash.

Others brought cards and flowers to the Northern Division police station where the Fil-Am officer was assigned.

The American flag was flown half-staff  at the station in honor of Machitar, who served with the SDPD for about 5 ½ years.

SDPD Chief Scott Wahl described Machitar as a “San Diego kid” who “was the kind of guy you want on your team.”

“He was athletic,” Wahl said. “He was a competitor. He had a passion for training. … Austin had a very infectious smile and a character that made him one of a kind.”

Machitar was killed Tuesday following a fiery traffic crash in San Diego that also killed a motorist, who allegedly fled from an attempted late-night traffic stop. The crash sent Officer Zach Martinez, who was in the police car with Machitar, through the windshield of the police vehicle, which then caught fire. Martinez, 29, remains in serious condition.

A fundraising campaign set up by the San Diego Police Officers Association to assist the families of Machitar and Martinez has raised more than $173,000 as of press time.

Machitar, the son of a retired San Diego County deputy sheriff, grew up in Chula Vista. He was a 2012 graduate of Otay Ranch High School, where he played varsity baseball, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

“As a graduate of Otay Ranch High School, and a dedicated member of our community, Officer Machitar’s contributions will be remembered,” the Sweetwater Union High School District said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego), a friend of the Machitar family, described Austin as “warm, thoughtful, gentle and kind.”

“Austin had a bright, million-dollar smile that put everyone at ease. He was always willing to help and find ways to help,” Padilla said in a statement.

“I knew him in the dawn of his young adult life, when he was searching to find his calling, while never letting go of his youthful sense of adventure and zest for life. He found that calling as an officer for the San Diego Police Department, and no doubt he served with distinction.”

The Fil-Am mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, released a statement honoring Machitar.

“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of San Diego’s finest, Officer Austin Machitar. His distinguished service to our city makes him a hero. I offer the deepest condolences of the city to Austin’s family and loved ones,” Gloria said.

“San Diego is grateful to our brave police officers who put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep us safe. Your sacrifices are appreciated and will never be forgotten.”

Flags are at half staff at the state capitol in honor of Machitar.

“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Officer Machitar,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “His loved ones, friends and colleagues at the San Diego Police Department are in our hearts during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his fellow officer who was seriously injured.”