San Diego Police Department identifies officers in fatal fire accident

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The San Diego Police Department has determined the identity of the officer killed during a chase on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard late Monday night and arrested another officer who was seriously injured.

SDPD Chief Scott Wahl says Austin Machitar was the officer who died at the scene. Zach Martinez, Machitar's partner, was still in critical condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital Tuesday evening.

The fatal fire accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive, police said.

WATCH: An emotional Police Chief Wahl announces the death of one of his officers during a press conference Tuesday morning.

Police Chief Wahl said the chase began when several officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and sped off, starting the pursuit.

Machitar and Martinez had just been sent on a chase when the fleeing driver collided with their vehicle at the intersection.

The driver who led the pursuit was also dead at the scene, Wahl said during the press conference. Two other drivers involved in the crash are OK, SDPD said.

At Wahl's request, the California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation and full reconstruction of the accident.

The San Diego Police Officers Association has set up a fundraising page called “Fund a Hero” to support the officers’ families. The money will go directly to the Machitar and Martinez families.