Man Charged with DUI in Lawn Mower Accident

Anthony Lorenzo Ward, of Greensboro, was arrested Tuesday on charges related to a lawn mower crash that took the life of Billy Ray Davis.  Ward is accused of driving a Ford Taurus that struck Davis while he was on his John Deere lawn mower in the paved median at the 139-mile marker of Alabama Highway 69 South.  Billy Ray Davis, 70, was rushed to DCH Regional Medical Center with critical injuries and died a week later.  The accident took place on May 31st at around 1:30 p.m.

Based on descriptions provided by witnesses, an Alabama State Trooper was able to locate Ward and his Ford Taurus later in the day on 37th Street East.  The trooper detected an odor of alcohol and charged him with driving under the influence.

Anthony Ward was arrested on Monday after a warrant was issued charging him with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.  An Alabama State Trooper noted in his deposition that, “Mr. Ward was unable to make a safe stop and hit the lawn mower on its right rear side with its front bumper. Upon striking Mr. Davis on the lawn mower, Mr. Ward fled the scene of the crash.”

If he is convicted of these criminal charges, Ward could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.