Illinois woman gets probation for reckless semi truck driving on I-15

Irune Alonso Heredia, 35, will spend two years on probation after a Utah judge suspended her jail sentence. The 4th District Court judge, Shawn Howell, ordered the Illinois woman to pay a $1,000 fine and complete a driving course. He credited the 15 days she already spent behind bars toward the original one-year jail term.

Heredia pleaded guilty on October 6 to reckless endangerment. Prosecutors reduced the charge from a third-degree felony to a class A misdemeanor as part of a plea deal. The agreement also dismissed a class C misdemeanor charge for driving without a commercial driver's license.

Police stopped Heredia on September 21 on Interstate 15 in Nephi. The arrest affidavit stated that multiple drivers called in to report reckless behavior. The trooper noted that Heredia asked why she was pulled over with anger. He explained that witnesses reported her driving all over the highway, including on the shoulder.

The officer asked Heredia to move further off the roadway because she had stopped while still on the white traffic line. Her license was listed as disqualified in the booking records. She told the trooper he could review the dashcam video to verify her actions.

The footage showed the semi truck getting too close to the vehicle in front of it. Heredia then passed the slower car using the right shoulder of the freeway while honking the horn. Court records indicate she is most likely being deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Heredia faces potential removal from the United States following her sentencing. The probation period will last for two years. She must complete the required driving course to satisfy the court order.