For those unaware, you can and will be arrested for driving a riding lawn mower under the influence to the local convenience store. An Iowa woman found this out on Friday night after witnesses contacted police.
Michelle Hudson "appeared to be intoxicated" as she operated a Husqvarna riding lawn mower in the parking lot of a Casey's in Tiffin, Iowa. The police, called to the scene, witnessed this and performed field sobriety tests.
According to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun, the 36-year-old failed several field sobriety tests. She also "showed measurable signs of impairment" and had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and very poor balance.
Hudson reportedly refused to submit to a urine test and despite her breath test showing that she was below the legal limit, she was arrested for OWI as officers believed she was on a drug.
Why was she on a riding lawn mower in the convenience store parking lot and not in a more traditional form of transportation? It could have something to do with a prior conviction mentioned in those court documents.
She was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Trailblazer back in 2022, the court documents from her prior arrest show. In similar fashion, she passed a breath test but showed signs of impairment.
A drug recognition expert found that she was "impaired from a central nervous system stimulant." During that arrest she also admitted to using methamphetamine two days prior.
TSG reports that she's had several prior convictions other than the prior OWI, including theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and meth.
While she may have thought the riding lawn mower was a better option than an SUV, it doesn't matter the mode of transportation if you’re under the influence.
As we learned last summer when Kentucky's own "Cowboy Cody" was making headlines, you can be arrested for riding intoxicated on a mule.