Drunken Driver Kills Bicyclist In Carlsbad Hit-And-Run Crash: Police

CARLSBAD, CA — An Escondido resident was being held without bail Sunday after the hit-and-run death of a bicyclist in Carlsbad, police said.

Officers responded to the 4400 block of Carlsbad Boulevard shortly after 4:30 a.m. Saturday, where they found the bicyclist dead in the street, according to Lt. Jason Arnotti of the Carlsbad Police Department.

"With the assistance of several community members, Carlsbad's license plate readers, and a drone, officers found the driver of the involved vehicle approximately one mile from the scene of the collision," Arnotti said.

Alexander Renee Gendron, 27, of Escondido was arrested on suspicion of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death, DUI causing injury or death, and DUI with a blood alcohol content of .08. Gendron was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on Saturday evening on a no bail hold.

Gendron is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at the Vista Courthouse.

The identity of the bicyclist will be released by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office at a later date, according to police.

"The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor," Arnotti said.

Northbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road remained closed throughout the day for the investigation. It had reopened by Sunday.

Police are seeking additional witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information was encouraged to contact Traffic Accident Investigator Corporal Matt Bowen at 442-339-2282 or matt.bowen@carlsbadca.gov.

City News Service