Man Arrested On Lawn Mower Pleads Guilty To Drunk Driving

BLOOMFIELD TWP. (WWJ/AP) - A 47-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who was arrested for allegedly driving a riding lawn mower while intoxicated has issued a plea in the case.

Roy Walton pleaded guilty Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court to operating while intoxicated -- his third such offense. Judge Wendy Potts told Walton he can expect his sentence to include a minimum of 45 days in jail due to his two previous drunk driving convictions.

Defense lawyer John Secrest sought a 30-day suspended sentence. He told Potts that jail "seemed like a harsh penalty for driving a lawn mower."

Police say Walton on March 22 drove a riding mower on the sidewalk to a drug store at Woodward and Square Lake Road. Officers arrested Walton as he left the store and tried to continue his journey. His "vehicle" was impounded.

When tested at the scene, police say Walton had a blood alcohol level of 0.10. The legal limit in Michigan is 0.08.

MORE: Man Charged With Drunk Driving After Riding Lawn Mower To Store

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