Carlsbad Man Arrested in Leucadia Hit-and-Run Death

A Carlsbad man was behind bars Tuesday in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist on an early morning training ride with several friends near Leucadia State Beach on April 10.

Sheriff's Sgt. Mark O'Connor said Joseph Ricardo Fernandez, 46, came forward Monday to report that he believed he might have been involved in the recent traffic accident on Highway 101.

Detectives interviewed the man and inspected his Dodge Ram 1500, which matched suspect vehicle descriptions—including front-end damage.

Fernandez was later booked into the Vista Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. He remains in custody on $50,000 bail, with arraignment scheduled for Thursday.

Police are still looking into whether alcohol was a factor in the collision. According to O'Connor, some statements have been made regarding alcohol and investigations are under way at area bars.

O'Connor said Fernandez did not give an explanation for his actions.

The accident occurred about 1 a.m. Sunday when James Steven Swarzman, 47, of Encino was struck from behind by a northbound vehicle in the 1200 block of North Coast Highway.

The driver did not stop at the scene to offer assistance or speak to authorities.

Swarzman died at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla several hours later.

According to authorities, Swarzman was a competitive bicyclist and all three riders were wearing reflective gear.

Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing, and additional charges—such as manslaughter and negligence—may be filed, O'Connor said.

City News Service contributed to this report.