Joseph Simme taken into custody on Thurs. night
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 6:20 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 6:13 PM EDT
* Lorey Schultz
* Posted by: Kate McGowan
LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) - There are reports of DWI's in Western New York all the time.
But the suspects are usually driving cars or trucks, not lawn mowers!
Unusual yes, but it happens once or twice every spring, when the grass begins to grow.
A drunk driver hops on a lawn mower, and takes it for a spin down the road.
This time authorities said it happened in Lancaster.
Jerry Jaszka and other workers at Village Small Engine Repair in Lancaster know that a riding lawn mower is much more than just a simple everyday power tool.
They think the accused drunk driver, who rode his mower across Walden Avenue, was foolish.
"It could be dangerous," exclaimed Jerry Jaszka. "You don't want to be drunk and operating power tools."
Lancaster Police arrested 47-year-old Joseph Simme Thursday night on Sheldon Avenue, and charged him with felony driving while intoxicated, while riding a mower.
Witnesses told police he was nearly hit by passing vehicles, as he tried to cross Walden Avenue to get to a convenience store, allegedly to buy more beer.
>>>His driver's license was revoked because of previous DWI convictions
His risky behavior was the talk of the day at Riva's Pizzeria.
Justin Skrzynski of the pizzeria said, "Well my concern is, I guess I'm glad he didn't get hit. I mean this is a busy intersection, and we've had car accidents in the past."
Joseph Hereth owns the neighboring liquor store.
He remarked, "Well we're always concerned about traffic at intersections. There's been nasty accidents involving motor vehicles, and to have someone on a tractor not moving fast is concerning."
He allegedly blew a .14 this time, nearly twice the legal limit.
He claims he didn't know he was breaking the law by hopping on a lawn mower.
John Sullivan is with the Erie County Stop DWI.
"It kind of demonstrates some of the issues people have with drinking, and mixing that activity with driving," John commented.
Fortunately in this case, no one was hurt, but authorities want to remind everyone that operating any motor vehicle under the influence is illegal.
The driver, Joe Simme, also faces numerous other vehicle and traffic violations.
He was released from custody Thursday night and Friday morning, returned to police headquarters to re-claim the lawn mower.
He is scheduled to return to court on April 6.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/crime/L...arged-with-DWI
True Story!!! Spring Is In The Air!! Lawn mower driver charged with DWI
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