A 21-year-old college athlete is suing the Albany Police Department in Oregon and a Benton County probation officer, alleging they used excessive force when they shot him five times and Tased him after mistaking him for his drug-addicted, knife-wielding brother. Maverick Lyon claims officers violated his Fourth Amendment rights, committed battery, and acted negligently when they fired at him, even after he had dropped the kitchen knife he was holding for self-defense.
On January 6, Lyon was at his family's home in North Albany when his older brother, John 'Dakota' Lyon, who had recently been released from prison and was struggling with drug abuse, became agitated and delusional. Dakota Lyon then allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife, took Maverick hostage, and claimed people were trying to kill him. Maverick Lyon stated he pleaded with his brother to release him, then adopted a defensive posture, picking up a kitchen knife himself.
Their father, David Lyon, alerted to the situation via Ring camera footage showing Dakota pointing a knife at Maverick, called 911. He informed dispatch that his older son, who was shirtless and on post-prison supervision, was threatening his younger son, who was wearing a long-sleeve gray shirt.
Responding officers approached the house. One officer, Matt Thomas, observed two men inside matching the father's description. According to the lawsuit, Maverick Lyon saw Officer Thomas through a window and mouthed "Help me!" before deciding to escape. As Maverick Lyon opened the back door, dropped the knife, and ran outside with his hands extended to show he was unarmed, he was Tased and subsequently shot by officers. Home security footage captured the moment.
Despite Lyon telling officers, "You guys shot the wrong guy - he was holding me hostage," and "I can't move, you guys shot me," officers reportedly continued to issue commands and handcuff him. He was hospitalized for a month, undergoing extensive surgeries that included the removal of half his right lung, parts of his appendix and spleen, and reconstructive surgery of his digestive system. His attorneys stated that his facial injuries will require further orthopedic and plastic surgery.
Dakota Lyon has since pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon, and coercion, and was sentenced to six years and five months in prison. He reportedly expressed remorse in court, wishing he could have taken the bullets instead of his brother.
The lawsuit alleges a lack of communication between officers, no coordinated plan, and a failure to distinguish the hostage from the threat. However, the Benton County District Attorney has ruled the shooting justified, citing that officers had only fractions of a second to react and made an objectively reasonable belief that the force was necessary to protect themselves and others.
Maverick Lyon missed his spring college semester and senior lacrosse season due to his injuries, although he has since returned to playing. His parents have expressed support for the lawsuit, seeking answers, accountability, and changes to prevent similar incidents. David Lyon stated that he called the police for help to protect his son, but instead, they nearly took his life.