An Iowa woman with previous convictions has been arrested for operating a riding lawn mower while under the influence of an intoxicant. Michelle Hudson, 36, was taken into custody Friday night in Tiffin, Iowa, after witnesses contacted police.
According to court documents, Hudson was operating a Husqvarna riding lawn mower in the parking lot of a Casey's convenience store. Responding officers observed Hudson and conducted field sobriety tests, which she reportedly failed. She also displayed "measurable signs of impairment," including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor balance.
Hudson refused to submit to a urine test. Although her breath test results were below the legal limit, officers arrested her on suspicion of OWI, believing she was under the influence of drugs. A drug recognition expert later determined she was impaired by a central nervous system stimulant.
Court documents indicate Hudson has a prior OWI conviction from 2022, when she was found driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer. During that arrest, she passed a breath test but showed signs of impairment. She admitted to using methamphetamine two days prior to that incident. Her prior convictions also include theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine possession.
Authorities noted that regardless of the mode of transportation, operating a vehicle while intoxicated can lead to arrest. The report also referenced a similar incident last summer in Kentucky where an individual was arrested for riding a mule while intoxicated.