A funeral was held on Saturday in San Diego for Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who died in a car crash in August.
According to NBC San Diego, the funeral took place at 2100 Greenfield Drive at Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon. After, there was a police procession in Mission Valley.
Machitar, 30, died on August 26, while responding to a high-speed chase. While he was responding, a BMW going 90 miles per hour hit his police vehicle, NBC San Diego reports. According to The San Diego Tribune, the driver was a teen who was fleeing from the police.
Machitar grew up in Chula Vista and joined the San Diego Police Department in March 2019, FOX 5 San Diego reports.
“He was the face of many San Diego Police recruitment materials and flyers, showcasing his welcoming smile in photos and fun personality in videos,” the Officers Association said per FOX 5 San Diego. “In this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything for our safety. His integrity, dedication and heroism will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones.”
He is survived by his parents and his sister.
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