On September 3, 2024, at approximately 9:10 A.M. officers responded to the 300 block of South Mount Vernon Ave upon the report of a two vehicle collision.
During the course of this investigation, it was determined that a 1984 Chevy Motorhome, being operated by 60-year-old Prescott resident Wayne Ridout, was travelling north on Senator Highway when the brakes on his vehicle malfunctioned. Ridout attempted to stop the vehicle by steering it into the guardrail on the east side of the road. Ridout lost control of the vehicle, which struck an unoccupied parked vehicle before colliding with a large tree. The motorhome narrowly missed striking another occupied vehicle before coming to rest just south of Oak Street in the 300 block of South Mount Vernon Avenue.
According to investigators, Ridout admitted to knowing that his vehicle was having brake problems but believed he had fixed the issue. Ridout was arrested and booked into the Yavapai County Jail on several charges to include Felony Endangerment and Criminal Damage. Additionally, Ridout was cited for other civil traffic violations, to include no insurance. The exact amount of damage has not yet been determined.
Mount Vernon Ave was closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the roadway.