Motorist Pleads Guilty in Carlsbad Crash That Killed Young Man

A motorist who had prescription drugs in his system when he blew through a red light in Carlsbad, killing a 20-year-old restaurant employee driving home from work, pleaded guilty today to a felony charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence.

Zachary Hulcer faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced June 26 at the Vista Courthouse.

Hulcer, 34, was arrested late last month in connection with the Feb. 24 collision that took the life of Brendon Arce, whose Mustang was struck on Rancho Santa Fe Road by a southbound Buick driven by the defendant.

Deputy District Attorney Keith Watanabe said Hulcer ran a red light at 80-100 mph.

Arce was making a left onto the road from Calle Barcelona when his car was struck just before 10 p.m. The victim had just finished his shift at Casa de Bandini, family members said.

—City News Service