Someone riding a bicycle was killed in a pre-dawn crash in Carlsbad Saturday.
And while we don’t know anything about the victim, we do have an ID on the alleged drunken coward accused of killing them.
According to multiple reports, the victim was struck by the driver while riding on the 4400 block Carlsbad Blvd, between Tamarack Ave and Cannon Road, around 4:34 am Saturday.
The victim was already dead when police arrived; there’s no word at this time on how the crash occurred.
The driver, identified as 27-year old Escondido resident Alexander Gendron, was tracked down about a mile away, with police relying on witnesses, license plate readers and a drone to find him.
He was booked on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death, DUI causing injury or death, and vehicular manslaughter. That could be upgraded to murder if there is a previous DUI on his record.
There is a painted bike lane on both sides of Carlsbad Blvd, which runs north and south along the beach.
Given the hour, the victim could have been homeless, or someone riding to or from work. Or it could have been someone just out for an early morning ride.
Anyone with information is urged to call Traffic Accident Investigator Cpl. Matt Bowen of the Carlsbad Police Department at 442/339-2282.
This is at least the 41st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the eighth that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
This was also the 13th bike rider killed by a hit-and-run driver in Southern California since the first of the year
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and all their loved ones.
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