SDPD officer from Lubbock released from hospital after serious pursuit crash

LUBBOCK, Texas — Zach Martinez, 27, a San Diego police officer from Lubbock, was released from the hospital after suffering serious injuries in a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash, according to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl on Tuesday.

The crash happened on August 27, killing Austin Machitar, the other officer in the patrol car the suspect crashed into.

Following the crash, Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. Martinez was not paralyzed from the crash, but his injuries included severe burns, a broken neck and multiple facial injuries.

While Martinez’s condition has improved, he has a “lengthy” road to recovery ahead of him, said SDPD.

The chase first started when officers tried to pull over a speeding vehicle, but the driver didn’t stop. Martinez and Machitar were responding when the fleeing driver crashed into their vehicle. Police said the driver also passed away at the scene.

Martinez was with SDPD for about a year and a half.

Martinez’s family is grateful for the support they have received throughout this process. Specifically, the family would like to thank Lubbock for the community’s support.

A fund was created to support the officer’s families, if you would like to donate, click here .

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