San Diego police officer Zachary Martinez, who was severely injured in a collision that resulted in the death of his patrol partner last summer, has returned to duty in what the department is calling a "miraculous" recovery.
"It's Officer Zach Martinez's first day back on patrol after the crash in August that took the life of Officer [Austin] Machitar," Sgt. Jared Wilson said in a statement on social media on Friday. "His recovery is truly a miracle."
It’s Officer Zach Martinez’ first day back on patrol after the crash in August that took the life of Officer Machitar. His recovery is truly a miracle. #americasfinest pic.twitter.com/heVlbAOWrd
— Jared Wilson (@POAJWIL) December 20, 2024
“Yeah, I’m truly blessed, it was an answered prayer because it was. It was absolutely an answered prayer that I’m here today," Martinez told media on Sunday.
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On Aug. 26 at 11:30 p.m., Machitar was killed in a crash at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.
A third officer was pursuing a speeding vehicle that failed to yield for a traffic stop, and when the pursuit reached a high rate of speed, it was called off. Machitar and Martinez were in a separate vehicle responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided their patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames.
Deadly crash kills officer, injures another
Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene, while Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Martinez spent 8 days at Sharp Memorial Hospital. He had two brain bleeds, a broken neck, burns in both hands, fractured ribs, and broken cheekbones. Some scars remain visible and others unseen, like learning that his partner was killed in that same accident.
“I had asked my mom what happened. She told me I was in a car accident. As sad as it is, my first thought was I need to call Austin and tell him what happened," Martinez said. “It didn’t feel real, and it still sometimes doesn’t feel real, it felt like a lot to process at that point.”
Martinez was present and also honored at Machitar's memorial service.
Along with his police uniform, Martinez puts on a wristband that holds a very special place in his heart.
“This is a mourning band, so it just says Austin C. Machitar, and then it has San Diego Police Department Northern Division and then End of Watch date of August 26th, 2024.”
Martinez says that in the last few months, he's received an overwhelming outpouring of support from the community.
“It felt amazing. You know, it means a lot, it really shows you that you’re not alone in battles like this.”
As to the driver who struck the patrol car, Officer Martinez says he forgives him and hopes he is at peace.
