Man charged with drunk driving on lawn mower

Imagine what his lawn looks like. By DON PEAT -- Sun Media

The Toronto Sun

A Richmond Hill man faces a drunk driving charge after York Regional Police caught him riding a lawn mower on the sidewalk Sunday allegedly drinking a beer.

"When officers spoke to the man he showed signs of impairment," police said.

He wasn't just cutting grass – officers found a small quantity of marijuana.

Police had received reports of a man driving a lawn tractor in the area of Yonge and Dunlop Sts.

Richard Skupien, 47, is charged with impaired driving and possession of a controlled substance.

He is to appear in a Newmarket court August 6.

Police took the opportunity to remind residents any motorized vehicle including ATVs, scooters and jet skis are all subject to the impaired driving provisions in the Criminal Code.

"Under the provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada a riding lawn mower would be considered a motor vehicle and drivers must adhere to the same rules of the road as any other motor vehicle including not operating the motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs," police said.