There are plenty of ways to try and beat a DUI charge. In fact, here’s a list of 30 ways you can challenge your DUI arrest. Noticeably absent on that list? Faking a seizure.
That didn’t stop one Minnesota man from trying that technique, though, according to police. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 32-year-old Matthew Hartley was pulled over on Halloween for driving 95 in a 55 mile per hour zone. We’ve already discussed how police keep an extra close eye on speeders on Halloween, so it’s no surprise that a cop caught up with the lead-footed driver.
The police report states that after administering several roadside sobriety tests, Hartley began to experience seizure-like symptoms. Medical emergencies are no joke, so the suspect was quickly taken via ambulance to the Hennepin County Medical Center.
Hartley likely thought that he could make a quick recovery at the hospital and be on his way, but that’s not how the system works. One account states that upon arrival, Hartley admitted to hospital staff that he was faking the seizure, but they still strapped him down and gave him a shot to relax. Hartley contends that he “was cooperative the whole time,” and refused to comment on allegations that he indeed faked a seizure during the traffic stop.
Hartley will be charged with 3rd degree DUI. A look into criminal records indicate that he’s been convicted of 27 different offenses over the past 13 years, for charges including speeding, driving while suspended or revoked, stop sign violations, careless driving and riding a snowmobile within city limits.
The Minnesota State Patrol discussed the incident on their Facebook page.
Related source: Star-Tribune, Bring Me The News
