Driver Arrested In Deadly Crash In North County

CARLSBAD, CA — A driver was arrested after hitting and killing a pedestrian, fleeing the area and then returning to the scene in northern San Diego County, authorities said.

Officers found a pedestrian dead in the roadway when they responded to reports of a crash at 11:19 a.m. Friday in the area of Tamarack Avenue and Skyline Road in Carlsbad, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

The driver left the scene but returned while officers were still there, according to the department.

Paul Hiniker, 57, of Carlsbad, was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, police said. He was going to be booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

The victim's name was withheld pending family notification.

The collision remained under investigation, but police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash was asked to contact traffic accident investigator Ricardo Huerta at 442-339-5621 or ricardo.huerta@carlsbadca.gov.