Hernando County, FL — On July 18, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol dispatchers received multiple reports of a man operating a lawn mower erratically on the southbound Suncoast Parkway (SR 589).
Traffic cameras captured the lawn mower traveling from Citrus County into Hernando County. FHP troopers stopped the operator, identified as Christopher Spain, 38, just south of the U.S. 98 exit.
Spain exhibited signs of impairment, including small pupils, flushed skin, dry mouth, and nasal irritation. Troopers found a small blue straw in his back pocket and noted he repeatedly cleared his throat, sniffed, and spit during the stop.
Spain refused field sobriety tests and was arrested for driving under the influence. He was released from jail on the same day after posting a $500 bond.
