08/06/2026
THE 88-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT WAS CITED AFTER DRIVING HIS RIDING LAWNMOWER THROUGH A BANK DRIVE-THRU LANE TO DEPOSIT A CHECK
Elkhart, Indiana — Vernon Griggs, 88, was cited for improper use of a roadway after witnesses say he drove his riding lawnmower directly through the drive-thru lane of a local bank, grass clippings still flying off the deck, to deposit a check without ever getting off the mower.
Bank employees say Griggs pulled up to the depository window as calmly as any regular customer, waited his turn behind two cars, and rolled down an imaginary window to hand over the envelope.
Griggs allegedly idled in line for nearly ten minutes behind two vehicles without anyone noticing at first
He reportedly told the teller "figured I'd finish the yard on the way"
Witnesses say the mower left a visible trail of grass clippings the length of the drive-thru lane
Bank staff say he waited patiently for his receipt before mowing back out the way he came
Police were called only after a second customer reported him blocking the lane for several minutes
Fellow customers described the sight as "the most small-town thing" they'd seen all year.
"In 14 years working this branch, I've never processed a deposit from someone still holding a bag of clippings," said branch manager Colleen Ashby.
The riding mower itself was reportedly unavailable for comment, currently parked back in his yard.
He mowed the lawn and banked with pride,
now he's cited for the ride.
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