Driver Sentenced in Sierra Vista Crash
- sierravistalive
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. — A Wisconsin man was sentenced to jail time and fines Monday after being found guilty of causing a devastating crash that left another driver with serious and life-altering injuries.
On June 2, 2025, Ryan Tentoni, 36, was convicted during a bench trial for causing serious physical injury while committing a traffic violation. The charges stem from an April 10, 2024 collision at the intersection of Highway 90 Bypass and Buffalo Soldier Trail in Sierra Vista, by the Hatfield Street entrance to Fort Huachuca.
Deputy County Attorney Joshua Jones presented evidence showing that Tentoni was looking down at his phone while driving slightly above the posted speed limit when he failed to stop for a red light and crashed into a vehicle that was legally stopped. The victim in the stationary vehicle was nearly killed and has since suffered lasting injuries.
Justice of the Peace Kenneth Curfman presided over the trial and handed down the sentence immediately after finding Tentoni guilty. Tentoni received a four-month jail sentence, the maximum allowable fine, and $1,000 in jail fees. Although the charge was a misdemeanor, the court imposed a harsher sentence due to aggravating circumstances.
Just hours after the collision, Tentoni rented another vehicle and fled law enforcement. He was later apprehended and found to be involved in human smuggling during a failure-to-yield incident, which resulted in a separate felony conviction for fleeing law enforcement and prison sentence with the Arizona Department of Corrections.
“This case is a tragic reminder of how quickly a moment of distraction can change lives,” said Deputy County Attorney Jones. The case was supported by Paralegal Bryana Flores and Victim Advocate Shannon Hamer.
The Cochise County Attorney’s Office urges all drivers to avoid distractions and remain vigilant on the road. “We remind everyone to drive with caution and care to keep our community safe,” the office stated.
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