We’ve covered some unusual impaired-driving cases over the years. There was the man accused of flying a drone while intoxicated, more than a few scooter DUIs, and even a handful of bicycle cases. But an OWI involving a riding lawn mower is a new one.
That’s exactly what Iowa deputies say happened when they arrested 36-year-old Michelle Hudson after she was allegedly found driving an orange Husqvarna riding lawn mower through the parking lot of a Casey’s convenience store in Tiffin.
The unusual case was first highlighted by The Smoking Gun, which obtained court records detailing the arrest. According to the documents, a witness reported that Hudson appeared intoxicated while driving the mower shortly before 7 p.m. on July 25.
When deputies arrived, they allegedly found Hudson on the mower and observed several signs of impairment, including slurred speech, poor balance, and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Woman previously convicted for driving SUV under the influence of meth has just been busted for operating Husqvarna riding lawn mower while impaired https://t.co/qDzUX8Wwj9 pic.twitter.com/QWz56Pm9Ec
— The Smoking Gun (@tsgnews) July 27, 2026
Deputies Say Hudson Showed Signs of Impairment
According to court records published by The Smoking Gun, Hudson performed poorly on a series of field sobriety tests after deputies made contact with her at the Casey’s on Stephens Street.
The affidavit states that Hudson showed measurable signs of impairment despite registering below Iowa’s legal alcohol limit on a breath test. Deputies reportedly believed she was under the influence of a drug and noted that she refused to provide a urine sample.
Hudson was arrested on charges of Operating While Intoxicated, Second Offense, and Driving While Barred.
Local station KCJJ reported that both charges are aggravated misdemeanors under Iowa law.
Prior OWI Conviction Led to Second-Offense Charge
The latest arrest wasn’t Hudson’s first OWI case.
Court records reviewed by The Smoking Gun show Hudson was convicted of OWI in 2022 following a traffic stop involving a Chevrolet Trailblazer in Iowa City. According to the affidavit, the arresting officer reported that Hudson admitted using methamphetamine two days earlier and displayed signs of impairment despite recording a 0.000 breath-alcohol result.
A drug recognition expert later concluded that she was impaired by a central nervous system stimulant, according to the court records.
The prior conviction is what led prosecutors to pursue the latest case as a second-offense OWI.
A Riding Lawn Mower Didn’t Prevent an OWI Charge
While the vehicle involved may be unusual, the case serves as a reminder that impaired-driving laws aren’t limited to cars and trucks.
According to the affidavit, Hudson was operating the riding lawn mower in a public parking lot when deputies contacted her. The fact that the vehicle was a lawn mower rather than a traditional passenger vehicle did not prevent authorities from pursuing impaired-driving charges.
Hudson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.