Trooper denies lawsuit allegations

Minnesota State Trooper Troy Siems has filed an answer to the federal lawsuit brought against him earlier this summer, denying that he violated the civil rights of a man he arrested and asking that the suit be dismissed.

Richard Thissen, who was the owner of an insurance agency in Kenyon, and his attorneys filed the complaint June 14, claiming that Siems used excessive force when arresting him on DUI charges in November 2009. The complaint says Siems “hit (Thissen) forcefully in the chest, tackled him to the ground and knocked out two of his teeth,” causing Thissen to lose consciousness.

In his answer filed Aug. 15, Siems denies “each and every allegation.” He continues, saying that when he pulled Thissen over for a seat belt violation, he noticed “a strong odor of alcohol.” When Siems asked Thissen to perform a sobriety test, Thissen ran into a nearby laundry, ignoring Siems orders to stop.

Thissen then “threw a laundry cart at … Siems,” the complaint says.

Siems eventually caught up to Thissen, pushing him to the ground from behind. Thissen was taken to the hospital in Red Wing for examination of a cracked tooth, the complaint says.

The complaint continues, stating that Siems “acted reasonably and in good faith within the scope of … authority as an employee of the State of Minnesota and is … immune from (Thissen’s) claims.”

Siems is asking to be reimbursed for costs relating to the lawsuit, including attorney’s fees.

Thissen’s complaint also lists Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander as a defendant. Thissen claims Sjolander used excessive force while arresting him in a separate incident.

Sjolander filed a separate answer to Thissen’s complaint July 31, calling the allegations “frivolous,” alleging defamation and asking for $10,000 in damages.

A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Aug. 28 in the Federal Courts Building in Minneapolis.

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