Family of San Diego Police officer hit by DUI driver in Pacific Beach speaks out

The family of a San Diego Police Officer, Michael Wilder, is grateful to have him back home.

His family said he has been resting a lot and he’s also been in a lot of pain, but they’re learning how to navigate his recovery journey.

“He was just going back to his patrol car,” Tiffany Wilder said.

Tiffany is grateful to her partner, Officer Wilder is alive after he was hit by a DUI driver last Saturday while crossing Mission Boulevard and Thomas Avenue.

Investigators said 31-year-old, Anthony Robertson, was driving was driving wrong way when he hit two officers.

Tiffany still remembers receiving a call from Mike’s sergeant who was calling to notify her of what happened.

“Being a law enforcement significant other, we don’t know if they’re ever going to come home but we always hope that they will and it just really hit me hard getting that call and just being like Oh my Gosh, this is really happening to me,” Wilder said.

Officer Wilder was taken to the hospital with more serious injuries.

“From what doctors have found right now is that he just has a concussion. We are still waiting on more medical testing to see how extensive his injuries are,” Tiffany said.

Although officer Wilder is now home recovering, his family said the crash has caused him physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

They said he’s the sole provider for the family of four.

“Him being out of work has caused a huge financial strain because he’s not only lost the ability to work, but he’s also lost the ability to work side jobs and overtime. We also have no family out here, so I don’t really have help,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany said officer Wilder wants to return to work, but there’s no clear timeline as to when that will happen.

She said for now, they’re focused on him healing and recovering one day at a time.

“I just want to see him happy for the holidays and I feel like with this incident, it might not be as joyful as we would want it to be,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany also wants to remind everyone to not drive under the influence because she says you never know how your decision could affect you or the lives of others.

Tiffany said the San Diego Police Department has been very supportive with donations, meal trains, and offering help.