Carlsbad Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Dies in Collision

A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on Tamarack Avenue and Skyline Road in Carlsbad on the morning of October 17, 2025. The driver, identified as 57-year-old Paul Hiniker of Carlsbad, initially fled the scene but returned while police were still present and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. Authorities reported that alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the incident, which remains under investigation. The victim's identity has not been released pending notification by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. Carlsbad Police are seeking additional witnesses and have asked anyone with information to contact Traffic Accident Investigator Ricardo Huerta. Legal experts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in hit-and-run cases to ensure accountability and justice for victims' families.