By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
A Cedar City woman was arrested early Christmas morning after allegedly driving the wrong way on Interstate 15 and crashing into a semi-truck in an attempt to harm herself and a passenger, who authorities later determined did not exist.
Jessica Gorecki, 38, faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence and reckless driving.
According to the affidavit filed in the 5th District Court, the incident occurred on Dec. 24 at approximately 9:56 p.m., when dispatchers received reports of a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-15 near mile marker 54. Witnesses reported the vehicle had used an emergency turnaround before colliding with a semi-truck.
Utah Highway Patrol arrived at the scene to find a white Hyundai SUV with heavy damage to its driver’s side, facing the wrong direction on the shoulder of the northbound lanes. Firefighters pulled Gorecki from the vehicle, which was still running.
The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured and reported that the SUV had been traveling the wrong way before the collision.
Gorecki was the sole occupant of the vehicle, despite claiming another person had been in the car with her. Authorities found no evidence of a second individual after an extensive search of the area.
“An extensive canvass of the area yielded no individuals on foot, or evidence of a fleeing subject, or footprints leading away from the area,” court records state.
The officer noted that Gorecki exhibited clear signs of impairment, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, fluctuating emotional behavior, and a strong odor of alcohol. Inside the vehicle, officers found two open cans of beer on the passenger-side floorboard.
Gorecki reportedly admitted to drinking heavily earlier that day, telling officers she had consumed nine shots of E&J Brandy and four 16-ounce beers, the affidavit states.
She also reportedly acknowledged she should not have been driving. Gorecki further claimed she had intentionally driven the wrong way on the highway in an attempt to harm herself and the alleged passenger.
At the hospital, Gorecki failed a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, which indicated impairment, according to the affidavit. A preliminary breath test also allegedly measured Gorecki’s alcohol level at 0.168, more than twice the legal limit.
She refused a chemical blood test despite being read the DUI refusal admonition, which states that refusal results in an automatic license suspension. She then requested an attorney but was informed that counsel is not permitted during the testing procedure.
Gorecki was booked into the Iron County Jail and faces charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving, open container in a vehicle, and crossing a highway divider.