Man Who Beat DWI Charges on Segway Files Lawsuit

A Minnesota man who has successfully challenged charges of riding his Segway while intoxicated is suing Medina police.

Mark Greenman says his repeat arrests amounted to harassment by police because officers knew he wasn’t breaking the law by operating the stand-up scooter after drinking at a bar near his Medina home.

The 48-year-old attorney has been cited three times from 2010 to 2012 for driving his Segway while drunk. All charges were dismissed. One was challenged and the Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with Greenman. The appeals court said that because the Segway operates below 12 mph, it falls under regulations pertaining to pedestrians, not motor vehicles.

City attorney Steven Tallen tells the Star Tribune the lawsuit is baseless. Police Chief Ed Belland says officers were acting in the interest of public safety.