Suspect in Deadly San Marcos Hit-and-Run Pleads Not Guilty

John Alvarado accused of fatally striking a 62-year-old landscaper before fleeing the scene.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror reflecting the faint glow of red taillights, conveying the aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run incident through a stark, investigative visual aesthetic.The aftermath of a deadly hit-and-run collision exposes the grim reality of impaired driving and the urgent need for justice.San Diego Today

A 39-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder for allegedly driving drunk, fatally striking a pedestrian with his car in San Marcos, and then fleeing the scene on foot. The victim, 62-year-old Carey Faust, was standing beside his parked vehicle on North Pacific Street when he was hit and killed.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents involving intoxicated drivers have become an ongoing public safety issue in San Diego County, with victims' families often left searching for answers and justice. This case highlights the tragic consequences when drivers choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.

The details

According to authorities, on the night of February 21, John Alvarado allegedly struck Faust with his car and then fled on foot following the deadly impact. Alvarado was arrested on April 2 and has been charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence. The complaint also states Alvarado has a prior North County DUI conviction from 2016.

  • On the night of February 21, Faust was struck and killed.
  • Alvarado was arrested on April 2.

The players

John Alvarado

A 39-year-old San Marcos resident who has been charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence for the fatal incident.

Carey Faust

A 62-year-old Vista resident who owned a landscape company and was struck and killed while standing beside his parked vehicle.

Vicki Faust

The sister of victim Carey Faust, who expressed frustration over the time it took authorities to identify and apprehend the suspect.

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What they’re saying

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

— Vicki Faust, Sister of victim

“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, Sister of victim

What’s next

Alvarado remains in custody without bail following his arraignment. The judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties to deter drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents in San Diego County, where victims' families are all too often left searching for answers and justice.