By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published July 21st, 2026
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POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 22-year-old man who deputies say is in the United States illegally is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly driving more than 100 mph while impaired on Interstate 4, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The arrest occurred on Saturday, July 18, 2026, when members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit were conducting traffic enforcement along Interstate 4.
According to investigators, deputies spotted a red Kia K4 traveling at a high rate of speed while weaving through traffic. Radar indicated the vehicle was traveling 101 mph in a 70 mph zone. Deputies said the reckless driving forced other motorists to brake suddenly or take evasive action to avoid a collision.
After conducting a traffic stop, deputies reported immediately noticing signs that the driver, 22-year-old Jhorland Atehortua, was impaired. During the investigation, deputies also located a smoking pipe and marijuana inside the vehicle.
Atehortua was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:
- DUI (misdemeanor)
- Dangerous excessive speed (misdemeanor)
- Reckless driving (misdemeanor)
- Possession of cannabis (third-degree felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (third-degree felony)
According to the Sheriff's Office, each charge was enhanced by one degree because Atehortua is allegedly in the United States illegally. Authorities also confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration hold on him at the Polk County Jail.
Sheriff Grady Judd praised deputies for stopping the driver before anyone was seriously injured.
"Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but combining impaired driving with reckless speeding at more than 100 miles per hour puts countless innocent people at risk. Our deputies stopped this suspect before someone was seriously hurt or killed. Now he'll face the consequences of his actions, and because he's in this country illegally, ICE has placed a hold on him as well."
The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Photo Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
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