Community Corner
Driver Convicted in Hit-and-Run Death of Encino Bicyclist
Joseph Ricardo Fernandez, 46, was convicted Tuesday in the death of James Swarzman of Encino who was killed while riding with a small group of bicyclists around 1 a.m. on April 10.
A Carlsbad motorist who struck an Encino bicyclist near Leucadia State Beach in Encinitas, then left the scene, was convicted Tuesday of hit-and-run causing death.
Fernandez faces up to four years behind bars for the April 10 death of 47-year-old of Encino. Swarzman was riding with friends when he was struck from behind about 1 a.m. in the 1200 block of North Coast Highway 101, said Sheriff's Sgt. Mark O'Connor. Swarzman died several hours later at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.
Joseph Ricardo Fernandez, 46, is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 12 by Vista Judge K. Michael Kirkman, who conducted a two-day bench trial.
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Authorities said Fernandez came forward the next day 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.
Fernadez was arrested, but no charges were filed. He was released from custody pending further investigation and re-arrested April 25.
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CNS contributed to this story
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