Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- A woman who pleaded guilty to endangering her ex-boyfriend by driving an SUV recklessly in the Eastgate area in September received a suspended sentence Monday afternoon in Superior Court.

Griselda Salinas-Garduno was handed a one-year jail term, with credit for one day served, but the rest was suspended and she was placed on a year of probation with conditions.

In imposing the sentence, Judge John Lohrmann went along with a prosecution recommendation.

Salinas-Garduno, 28, pleaded guilty Dec. 27 to the gross-misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment -- domestic violence.

Sheriff's deputies said she was involved in a physical altercation with Samuel Sanchez Orozco at Rooks Park about 11 a.m. Sept. 22.

After the reported fight, Sanchez Orozco, 29, sped off in a car -- with Salinas-Garduno apparently in pursuit in the SUV -- west on Mill Creek Road and onto Isaacs Avenue, according to officials.

After driving through a grass field, Salinas-Garduno struck the front end of the Sanchez Orozco vehicle, but no injuries were reported.

Her attorney, Richard Wernette, told Lohrmann at Monday's hearing that a Sheriff's Office report had inaccurately stated the vehicle she was driving "rammed" the Sanchez Orozco vehicle.

Damage was limited to a head lamp, Wernette said, adding, "It was more like a bump and an accidental one at that."

Salinas-Garduno, of 206 N.W. Eighth Ave., Milton-Freewater, has not been incarcerated pending the outcome of her case.

She initially was charged with a felony, second-degree assault -- domestic violence, but that was reduced in a plea agreement.

Terry McConn can be reached at terrymcconn@wwub.com or 526-8319.