Suspect in deadly San Marcos hit-and-run says he didn’t do it

A man who allegedly drove drunk, fatally struck a pedestrian with his car in San Marcos, then fled the scene, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that include murder.

John Alvarado, 39, is accused of hitting 62-year-old Vista resident Carey Faust with his car on the night of Feb. 21. The victim was standing beside his parked vehicle on North Pacific Street when he was struck, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Jeremy Collis.

San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies are still looking for the driver who killed a 62-year old man on Saturday night. NBC 7’s Dave Summers spoke with family members, who are asking for help in identifying the person responsible.

Following the deadly impact, Alvarado allegedly fled on foot, the sergeant said. Faust died at the scene.

Alvarado was arrested April 2 and remains in custody without bail following Monday’s arraignment. Sheriff’s officials did not disclose what led them to identify the San Marcos man as the alleged driver.

Along with murder, Alvarado faces charges of 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.

Authorities are looking for a suspect who took off on foot after fatally hitting a person with their car in San Marcos. NBC 7 has the latest details.  

Family mourns

“The best person they ever met,” his sister, Vicki Faust said. “The most loving, trustworthy, hard-working.”

Faust called himself a “mobile American” and didn’t have a roof over his head, but he made a name for himself with the landscape company he owned for more than 35 years. He was parked in front of Prime Storage, where he kept his landscape gear, and was getting something out of his truck when he was struck.

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

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station at (760) 510-5200.