Carlsbad CA — Carlsbad Police arrested 34-year-old Zachary Jacob Hulcer at his home in Encinitas for gross vehicular manslaughter in connection with a Carlsbad collision on February 24. Hulcer was also charged with vehicular manslaughter, with gross negligence, in the death of 20-year-old San Marcos resident Brendon Arce.
The arrest was made after toxicology reports showed Hulcer was under the influence of prescription medications at the time of the accident. Hulcer was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Bail is currently set at $100,000.
At approximately 9:55 p.m., on February 24, the City of Carlsbad Police Department was dispatched to a serious injury accident on Rancho Santa Fe Road and Calle Barcelona.
Upon arrival, Officers surveyed the traffic collision and contacted witnesses who observed that a Buick sedan, driving southbound on Rancho Santa Fe Road, north of Calle Barcelona was traveling at a high rate of speed. Hulcer, the driver of the Buick ran a red light at the intersection and collided with Brendon Arce, who was driving a red Ford Mustang. Arce was making a left turn onto Calle Barcelona from Rancho Santa Fe Road. The Mustang was cut in two by the impact.
Hulce was transported to Scripps La Jolla Hospital with serious injuries. Arce, succumbed to his injuries after lifesaving measures were attempted by witnesses on scene.