(Carlsbad, CA) A bicyclist died in a Carlsbad Boulevard hit and run after Alexander Renne Gendron, 27, struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning.
On Saturday, September 13, shortly after 4:30 a.m., the Carlsbad Boulevard hit and run occurred. According to Lt. Jason Arnotti of the Carlsbad Police Department, it happened in the 4400 block of Carlsbad Boulevard.
When officers arrived, they found a bicyclist lying dead in the roadway. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity. With the assistance of community members, license plate readers, and a police drone, officers located the suspect about one mile from the scene. They arrested 27-year-old Alexander Renee Gendron of Escondido.
Police booked Gendron into the Vista Detention Facility on a no-bail hold. He faces multiple charges, including murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at the Vista Courthouse. Authorities suspect alcohol played a role in the Carlsbad Boulevard hit and run. The roadway between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road remained closed through Saturday before reopening Sunday.
The consequences of impaired driving can go far beyond fines or license suspension. Knowing what is a felony DUI is essential to understanding how quickly a DUI can escalate.
Legal Opinion on the Carlsbad Boulevard Hit and Run
The Carlsbad Boulevard hit and run raises several serious criminal and civil issues under California law. Because Alexander Renee Gendron killed a bicyclist while under the influence, prosecutors charged the driver with some of the state’s most severe offenses. The most direct law is California Vehicle Code 20001, which makes it a felony to flee the scene of a collision that results in injury or death. By leaving the victim in the roadway, Gendron violated this duty.
Since alcohol is suspected, California Vehicle Code 23152 applies. Driving under the influence is illegal, and when a DUI causes death, prosecutors may pursue charges under California Penal Code 191.5, which covers gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. In this case, prosecutors went further by charging Gendron with murder. This suggests application of the Watson Murder rule, which allows DUI deaths to be prosecuted as second-degree murder if implied malice can be shown. Additionally, since the victim was a bicyclist, California Vehicle Code 21200 is important. This law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means drivers must respect their right to share the road.
Because the bicyclist died, the family may also file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This civil action allows them to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the deep emotional toll of their loved one’s death.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased bicyclist should contact a wrongful death attorney immediately. An attorney can monitor the criminal proceedings while also pursuing civil claims. A wrongful death claim can secure financial support for burial costs. They can also help get compensation for the loss of companionship and income. Attorneys can also obtain the police report, toxicology results, and crash scene evidence. Since police already identified and arrested the suspect, civil liability is very strong.
While the criminal case will hold Gendron accountable to the state, the civil case ensures the family receives justice and compensation. Quick action after the Carlsbad Boulevard hit and run will help preserve evidence and support the family through this devastating time.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
