Florida man driving lawnmower accused of striking police cruiser while drunk
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Florida authorities say they arrested an inebriated man on a lawnmower who slammed into a police officer’s parked, unoccupied cruiser.
The alleged alcohol-fueled fender-bender in Haines City on Saturday evening caused minor damage to the cruiser's bumper and led to the arrest of Gary Anderson, 68, who police said had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit, according to reports.
The officer was on a call when he heard a loud bang from inside a store, FOX13 Tampa reported.
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Anderson allegedly told the officer he struck the cruiser but denied causing any damage. He also allegedly admitted being drunk. Anderson reportedly had a trailer with a large cooler attached to the lawn mower.
“I’m proud of the professional demeanor our officers showed when dealing with this heavily-intoxicated, belligerent offender,” Haines City police Chief Jim Elensky said in a statement. “It’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel drunk, even if that wheel is to a Craftsman, Massey Ferguson or John Deere.”
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While in custody, Anderson was driven to a hospital after he accused officers -- reportedly using foul language and racial slurs -- of trying to poison him with cocaine, FOX13 reported.
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Police said there was cocaine in Anderson's system when he was arrested.
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The station reported Anderson allegedly told officers his driver’s license was suspended 41 years ago and he has never gotten it back.
Anderson was charged with committing a third DUI offense in 10 years and refusing to submit to a DUI test.
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He was being held in lieu of $3,000 bail.