Four solo-vehicle collisions occurred over the last few weeks on the mountain, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Darren Meyer.
On Monday, Oct. 21 at 10:25 p.m., a red 2019 Honda Civic was traveling on Highway 74 one mile east of Keen Camp Road, when for unknown reasons, the driver of the Honda negotiated a left-hand curve and drove off the highway hitting a power pole. The driver fled the scene. The California Highway Patrol contacted the registered owner of the Honda who claimed the vehicle had been stolen the day prior. The vehicle was towed by Idyllwild Garage.
Another collision occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 5:40 p.m. Wade Davis, 21 years old of La Quinta, was traveling south on Highway 243 1,000 feet north of South Circle Drive in a white 1997 Mercury Cougar at 50 mph. Davis was traveling around a left-hand curve, lost control and crossed over the double yellow line hitting a tree and boulder. Davis was alone in the vehicle and was transported by Idyllwild Fire Protection District ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries to his arm. The vehicle was towed by Idyllwild Garage. Neither drugs nor alcohol were involved.
On Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:20 p.m. Andrew Truelsen, 39 years old of La Quinta, was traveling east on Highway 74 just east of Highway 371 in a maroon 2003 Chevrolet Silverado when he drove off the roadway. A 2-year-old (unknown relation to Truelsen) was in the back of the vehicle strapped into a car seat. There were no injuries. Truelsen was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence of alcohol and taken to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and booked for DUI. The Silverado was towed by Idyllwild Garage.
The last collision occurred on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 12:20 p.m. on Highway 74. Reynaldo Ramsey, 23 years old of El Cajon, was driving west on Highway 74 two-tenths of a mile west of Scenic Drive on a purple 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Ramsey entered a right-hand curve and lost control, crossed the double yellow line and hit the dirt on the opposite side of the road. He was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered minor injuries. Ramsey was transported to a local hospital by AMR. The motorcycle was towed by Valley Auto.
