Suspect Arrested in Hit-and-Run Accident That Killed Encino Cyclist

A man was behind bars Tuesday in connection with a hit-and-run collision that killed a bicyclist from Encino who was taking a late-night ride with several friends near Leucadia State Beach in San Diego County last weekend.

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

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

Fernandez was later booked into the jail in Vista on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. He was held on $50,000 bail, with arraignment scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

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, authorities said.

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

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

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

Investigations into the fatal crash were ongoing, and additional charges may be filed, O'Connor said.

City News Service contributed to this report.