San Diego police officer Zach Martinez was released from the hospital a week after a fiery wreck that killed another officer, Austin Machitar, and a 16-year-old driver. Martinez was critically injured in the crash when the driver of a speeding car crashed into the police vehicle that Machitar and Martinez were in. Martinez, a 27-year-old EMT and member of the Navy Reserves, has a long road to recovery but is grateful for the support from everyone in the department. The crash occurred after a different officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the speeding driver, who then sped away and was briefly chased before crashing into Machitar and Martinez.
Martinez had been described as fighting for his life after the crash, suffering burns, a broken neck, and multiple facial injuries. Dr. Diane Wintz, trauma medical director at Sharp Memorial Hospital, stated that Martinez’s neck injury did not result in paralysis. The circumstances of the crash and the events leading up to it are currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that based on preliminary information, the time between the attempted traffic stop, brief pursuit, and the point of impact would have been very short, likely only 20 to 30 seconds.
Chief Wahl expressed his gratitude for the care Martinez received from the medical staff, describing it as “nothing short of amazing.” Martinez himself, who has been with the police department for 1½ years, expressed his appreciation for all the support and prayers he has received. Officer Martinez was released from UC San Diego Hospital on Tuesday, marking what Chief Wahl called a miraculous day. Wahl recounted how the first officer to respond to Martinez initially thought he was dead until he found a pulse, emphasizing the severity of Martinez’s injuries after the crash.
The crash, which occurred on August 26 on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, resulted in the tragic deaths of Officer Machitar and the teen driver. Machitar was driving the police vehicle at the time of the crash, and both he and Martinez were responding to the call involving the speeding driver. The supervisor called off the pursuit due to the dangerous speeds, but the driver crashed into Machitar and Martinez from the side. Martinez sustained significant injuries, including burns and facial trauma, in addition to a broken neck. Despite the severity of his injuries, Martinez was grateful for the care he received and appreciates all the support he has received during his recovery.
The San Diego Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Machitar and the teenage driver, while Officer Martinez continues to recover from his injuries. Chief Wahl described the crash as a tragic incident that highlights the dangers police officers face every day. He emphasized the importance of supporting Martinez as he works towards recovery and commended the medical staff for their excellent care. The circumstances of the crash are being investigated to determine the events leading up to the collision between the police vehicle and the speeding driver. As Martinez continues his recovery, the San Diego community and the police department are united in their support and gratitude for his survival and for his dedicated service as an officer.
