Drunk Lawnmower Driving

From the Grand Rapids Press:

Police: Man operating riding lawnmower had blood alcohol level more than 5 times the legal limit

The driver of riding lawnmower was so drunk -- more than five times the legal limit -- that he slumped over the wheel as it circled in an intersection before he fell to the ground and passed out, police said today.

Jerold Earhart, 29, of the Bay Shore area, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.441 percent. A driver is presumed intoxicated at 0.08 percent.

Sheriff's deputies were called around 11:30 p.m. Saturday to a report of a crash involving a riding lawnmower at Townline and Charlevoix roads.

Witnesses told police that Earhart earlier appeared to be slumped over the wheel of the mower as it went in circles in the intersection. He appeared to regain control at one point, but passed out again and was thrown to the ground. The mower continued until it struck a tree and lawn ornament. A witness shut off the engine.