Manitowoc teen cited for 'planking' on police car

MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) - A Manitowoc teen says police overreacted after citing him for "planking" on a squad car.

Eighteen-year-old Alexander Hart says he was just having fun. He plans to contest his $202.20 disorderly-conduct citation.

Planking is a nationwide craze that involves posting photos or videos of oneself lying face-down, straight as a board, in unusual places.

A police captain told the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter (http://bit.ly/qcvKCe ) that people can plank on their own parked vehicles but they shouldn't be doing it on other people's property. Capt. Scott Luchterhand says it "goes without saying" that officers don't want people planking on squad cars.

A detective says Hart also planked near the courthouse, at a Walmart checkout counter and on a memorial to fallen officers.

Hart wonders whether the citation violates freedom of speech.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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