Albany, Ore. – Maverick Lyon, a senior business major and lacrosse player at Saint Anselm College, filed a federal complaint on Thursday seeking accountability from the City of Albany and two police officers involved in a January shooting at his family home.
Allegations in the lawsuit
According to the filing, Lyon was held hostage by his brother, Dakota, who threatened him with a knife. Their father called police after observing the confrontation on the family’s security camera. When officers arrived, Lyon grabbed another knife in self‑defense and escaped through the back door, later dropping the weapon, the complaint states.
Despite dropping the knife, Lyon says officers fired at least five rounds, striking him multiple times. The complaint accuses the officers of using excessive force and failing to de‑escalate the situation or communicate critical information about the suspect and victim.
Family response
David and Laura Lyon, the brothers’ parents, released a statement calling the incident “heartbreaking.” They wrote, “We cannot change what happened that day, but we want answers, accountability and changes that help prevent another family from experiencing the pain ours has. Most importantly, we want Maverick to have every opportunity to heal, move forward and live the life he deserves.”
City and law‑enforcement position
The Albany Police Department declined to comment, noting it has not been formally served with the complaint. However, a report from the Benton County District Attorney’s Office, referenced by the department, concluded that the officers’ actions were justified and not criminal.
While the lawsuit remains pending, the city’s legal team is expected to defend the officers’ conduct based on the district attorney’s findings.
Legal context
The case adds to ongoing national discussions about police use of force, especially in situations involving family disputes and armed confrontations. Federal courts will assess whether the officers’ response complied with constitutional standards governing the use of deadly force.
Both parties have indicated they are prepared for a thorough legal process. The Lyon family seeks reforms that could improve police communication and de‑escalation tactics, while the city plans to rely on existing legal determinations that support the officers’ actions.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
