Tacoma Tribune: Local Man Attempts to Ride Lawn Mower Across State, Arrested for DUI

In a bizarre turn of events that has left the community in stitches, authorities in Tacoma, Washington have arrested a local man for attempting to ride a lawn mower across the state while under the influence of alcohol.In a bizarre turn of events that has left the community in stitches, authorities in Tacoma, Washington have arrested a local man for attempting to ride a lawn mower across the state while under the influence of alcohol. The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning when police received multiple reports of a man driving a lawn mower erratically on the shoulder of I-5. Officers responded to the scene and located the suspect, later identified as 52-year-old Thaddeus “Tad” Witherspoon, behind the wheel of his green and yellow Ryobi Riding Mower. According to police, Witherspoon was initially uncooperative and refused to provide his identification. After a brief struggle, officers were able to subdue him and conduct a breathalyzer test, which revealed his blood alcohol level to be well over the legal limit. Witherspoon told authorities that he had set out from his home in Graham, Pierce County, on Monday evening with the ambitious goal of riding his lawn mower all the way to Spokane, a distance of over 300 miles. He explained that he had intended to stop along the way to visit friends and family, but admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages throughout the journey. The man’s bizarre escapade has sparked a mix of amusement and concern among residents of the Puget Sound region. Some have expressed sympathy for Witherspoon, saying that he was simply trying to fulfill a lifelong dream. Others have criticized his actions, noting the danger he posed to himself and other motorists on the busy interstate. Witherspoon has been charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. He is currently being held in the Pierce County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.