A Tampa man is facing DUI charges after he was found operating a lawnmower while allegedly under the influence on a major Florida highway Friday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), 38-year-old Christopher Spain was spotted on the southbound shoulder of Suncoast Parkway around 8:52 a.m., following reports of someone driving a lawnmower erratically in Citrus County, heading toward Hernando County.
Suspect Showed Multiple Signs of Impairment
When troopers arrived, they found Spain on the mower and observed physical signs of impairment, including:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Flushed skin
- Dry mouth
- Nasal irritation
- Frequent sniffing, spitting, and throat clearing
Spain initially attempted to cooperate with officers as they conducted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, a field sobriety exam used to detect intoxication through involuntary eye movements. However, he allegedly became uncooperative after multiple attempts and refused additional sobriety tests.
Arrest and Charges
Spain was arrested at the scene and transported to the Hernando County Jail, where he refused to provide a urine sample, according to troopers.
He now faces charges of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
FHP did not report any injuries or damage related to the incident.
