Commemorating one year to the day that San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar was killed in the line of duty, the San Diego Police Department and Concerns of Police Survivors will hold a memorial blood drive Tuesday.
While the blood drive is not open to the public, Machitar’s family encouraged others to give blood when they can.
“I can only imagine the lives your blood donation today will save when that person is having the worst day of their lives, are in such dire need, and wavering on living or dying,” a statement from Machitar’s family read. “This one pint of blood you donate today can sway the balance significantly.”
On Aug. 26, 2024, at 11:30 p.m., Officer Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. He was 30.
An officer was pursuing a speeding vehicle that failed to yield for a traffic stop. When the pursuit reached a high rate of speed, it was called off. Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27, were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Machitar’s patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames.
Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but survived the crash and was present and also honored at Machitar’s funeral service.
The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.
A memorial service was held the following month in El Cajon.
Special tributes were paid by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, SDPD Chief Scott Wahl, Sgt. Andrew Schidecker, state Sen. Steve Padilla, D-Chula Vista, cousins Julian Chanfreau and McKenzie Holt, and sister Asia Machitar.
“You were meant to make a difference and you did just that. It’s amazing seeing how much of a positive impact you left on everyone, you’re so missed. Thank you for always checking in, thank you for the encouragement, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the friendship, and thank you for the memories. We have the watch from here Austin, rest easy, you’re so loved,” San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy Crystal Corona said at last year’s service.
The ceremony concluded after nearly three hours with a flag folding and presentation by the SDPD Honor Guard and a 21-gun salute.
Machitar was with the SDPD for more than five years. He served as a field training officer and took an active role in recruiting new officers by participating in recruiting videos and photoshoots for the department.
He is survived by his parents and sister.
