Suspect arrested in deadly San Marcos hit-and-run

Authorities say John Alvarado, 41, was taken into custody for the February incident that killed Carey Faust, 62.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car side mirror, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty aftermath of a hit-and-run accident.A recent wave of deadly hit-and-run incidents in San Diego County has exposed the urgent need for improved driver accountability and public cooperation with law enforcement.San Diego Today

Authorities have arrested 41-year-old John Alvarado in connection with a deadly hit-and-run incident in San Marcos, California that killed 62-year-old Carey Faust in February. Faust was standing behind his parked vehicle when he was struck by a white 2022 Hyundai Venue, whose driver fled the scene on foot. Alvarado faces charges of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are an ongoing problem in San Diego County, with many drivers fleeing the scene after causing serious injuries or fatalities. This arrest may provide some closure for Faust's family, but also raises questions about why it took authorities several months to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The details

According to authorities, the incident occurred on February 21 around 8:30 pm on North Pacific Street in San Marcos. Carey Faust, 62, was standing behind his parked vehicle when he was struck by a white 2022 Hyundai Venue. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene on foot heading northbound toward Mission Avenue. Faust died at the scene. On Friday, April 3, San Diego sheriff's deputies arrested 41-year-old John Alvarado, a San Marcos resident, in connection with the fatal hit-and-run. Alvarado is being held on $300,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

  • The incident occurred on February 21, 2026 around 8:30 pm.
  • Authorities arrested John Alvarado on April 3, 2026.

The players

Carey Faust

A 62-year-old man who was struck and killed by a vehicle while standing behind his parked truck in San Marcos.

John Alvarado

A 41-year-old San Marcos resident who was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with Faust's death.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The best person they ever met. The most loving, trustworthy, hard-working.”

— Vicki Faust, Carey Faust's sister

“Why they haven't found him so fast? They have the vehicle; they must have evidence in that vehicle. He can't live free because my brother can't.”

— Vicki Faust, Carey Faust's sister

What’s next

Alvarado is scheduled to be arraigned in the Vista courthouse on Monday at 1:30 p.m. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with additional information to contact the San Marcos Sheriff's Station.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run case highlights the ongoing challenges of holding drivers accountable when they flee the scene of a deadly accident. While the arrest of Alvarado may provide some solace to Faust's family, it also raises questions about why it took several months to identify and apprehend the suspect, underscoring the need for improved investigative resources and public cooperation to address the persistent problem of hit-and-run incidents in the region.