By Sohaib Shams
A college lacrosse player who was shot multiple times by police while escaping his knife-wielding brother has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging excessive force and negligence against the city of Albany and Benton County.
Incident details
Maverick Lyon, a student at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, was home in Albany on Jan. 6 when his brother, Dakota Lyon, who had relapsed into drug use, held him at knifepoint. Their father called 911 after seeing the altercation on a home security video. Lyon grabbed a knife in self-defense and escaped through the back door, but after dropping the knife and following police commands, officers shot him at least five times.
Injuries and lawsuit claims
The shooting left Lyon hospitalized for four weeks, requiring surgeries that removed half his right lung, his spleen, his appendix, and extensive reconstructive surgery on his digestive system. The lawsuit alleges he was shot after complying with orders to drop the knife and come outside, and that police yelled at him to roll over while he lay bleeding instead of providing immediate medical aid.
Background
According to the suit, the family had contacted a Benton County probation officer on Jan. 5 warning that Dakota Lyon was acting dangerously and had relapsed, but the county declined to take him into custody. The next day, the situation escalated to the hostage incident. Police surrounded the house and could see both brothers through a window, with Maverick mouthing 'help me.'
Police and county responses
The Albany Police Department stated at the time that officers encountered a person with a knife during a domestic disturbance and two officers fired, striking the person, and immediately rendered medical aid. Benton County declined to comment on pending litigation. The city of Albany did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Legal outcomes
Dakota Lyon was later sentenced to more than six years for the incident; he acknowledged responsibility and his attorney said he wished he had taken the bullets instead. Benton County District Attorney Ryan S. Joslin previously ruled the shooting justified, saying officers had an objectively reasonable belief that deadly force was necessary to protect their lives.
Family seeks accountability
David and Laura Lyon said they support their son's lawsuit, seeking answers, accountability, and changes to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. They want Maverick to have every opportunity to heal and live the life he deserves.
