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9h ago

San Diego Investigates $100,000 Vandalism at Newly Dedicated Officer Machitar Memorial Park

City leaders condemn the defacement, offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Parents Chris and Leslie Machitar, their daughter Asia Machitar, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, Mayor Todd Gloria and Director of Parks and Recreation Department Andy Fields help unveil Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park on Oct. 26, 2025. Machitar died on Aug. 26, 2024, while on patrol in the Clairemont community. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Overview

  • Officers discovered the graffiti Thursday morning at the renamed park on Bannock Avenue, days after a public dedication.
  • Both sides of the memorial sign were covered in paint and deemed a total loss, with replacement estimated at about $12,000.
  • Additional damage hit sidewalks, building walls and landscaping, bringing the total estimate to roughly $100,000.
  • Police Chief Scott Wahl said the department is prioritizing the case and asked Clairemont residents to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.
  • Mayor Todd Gloria pledged the city will restore the memorial, which honors Machitar, 30, killed Aug. 26, 2024, during a pursuit that also left his partner injured.