Clairemont park honoring fallen officer vandalized days after dedication

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Just days after the City of San Diego dedicated a Clairemont park in honor of fallen Police Officer Austin Machitar, the site has been vandalized in what investigators are calling a targeted and intentional act.

Police said the damage at Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park included vulgar graffiti, chipped signs and destroyed flowers left at the memorial. Authorities are withholding some details due to the graphic and hateful nature of the vandalism.

“This whole park has been vandalized, the sidewalks, buildings, several signs, even a tree,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “It’s unbelievable the amount of disrespect. It’s not just against our police department, it’s against the Machitar family and the community.”

Machitar was killed in the line of duty in August 2024 when a pursuit suspect crashed into his patrol car on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The park, dedicated in his honor just last weekend, was funded through community donations and city support.

Police estimate the total damage at around $100,000. Investigators believe the vandalism was personal and deliberate, and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses to identify suspects.

“There is no question that this crime is intentional,” Wahl said. “The message is clear and we are coming for whoever did this.”

Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the act in a statement, saying:

“This is not who we are as San Diegans. We respect and honor those who protect our communities, and we will never tolerate this kind of hateful, criminal behavior.”

The vandalized memorial sign is considered a total loss due to the extent of the damage.

Authorities are offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with tips is asked to contact San Diego Police.