No-Contest Plea in Hit-Run That Killed Bicyclist

An automotive detailer pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony hit-and-run in an accident that killed a bicyclist.

Anthony David Fusco, 24, of San Diego, who was also charged with misdemeanor counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving with a suspended license, changed his plea from not guilty.

The no contest plea means that Fusco refuses to offer a defense to the charges against him. Fusco is still considered to be convicted of a crime, but this conviction cannot be used against him in case the victim’s family files a civil lawsuit.

Carolyn McGregor, a 34-year-old Iowa native, was struck by Fusco’s truck as she was bicycling with a friend in Pacific Beach. McGregor was crossing the intersection of Mt. Soledad Road and Beryl Street when the accident occurred May 23.

According to testimony at his preliminary hearing in August, Fusco was the driver of a red pickup that ran a red light on Mt. Soledad Road. Witnesses said Fusco stopped and examined the injured woman before he removed the twisted bicycle from underneath his vehicle and sped away.

McGregor, who was not wearing a helmet, died from severe head injuries.

Fusco’s license was suspended in January after he received a number of moving violation tickets and failed to appear in at least one case.

Fusco, who is free after posting $25,000 bail, faces a maximum of 4 1/2 years in state prison when he is sentenced Dec. 7 by Superior Court Judge Charles R. Hayes.