Albany, Ore. – A federal civil‑rights complaint was filed on Tuesday against the City of Albany and two of its police officers, accusing them of violating the Fourth Amendment after they shot Maverick Lyon, a 21‑year‑old college student, at least five times.
Background of the incident
On Jan. 6, Albany police responded to a 911 call placed by David Lyon, who reported that his 27‑year‑old son, John “Dakota” Lyon, had relapsed on drugs and was threatening his younger brother. According to the complaint, Dakota Lyon seized a knife and held Maverick hostage inside the family home on the 1300 block of NW Twins Lane.
Security‑camera footage captured the moments after officers arrived. An officer tried to open the front door, saw a knife, and ordered Maverick to step outside. When Maverick emerged, an officer deployed a Taser. The complaint states that Maverick complied with commands to drop the knife, but two officers then opened fire, striking him multiple times. A third officer allegedly continued firing after Maverick fell to the ground.
Allegations and legal claims
Attorney Alicia LeDuc Montgomery, representing the Lyon family, said the officers should have recognized that Maverick was the victim, noting that the aggressor was not wearing a shirt while Maverick was. She also cited video evidence showing officers calling Maverick by name and ordering him to roll onto his stomach for handcuffing.
Montgomery asserts that Maverick suffered at least five gunshot wounds to his back, chest and face, requiring several surgeries. The lawsuit, filed by Stritmatter Law and Levi Merrithew Horst PC, alleges excessive‑force violations under the Fourth Amendment, as well as negligence claims against Benton County and probation officer Joshua Hall, who were reportedly asked by the parents to detain Dakota the day before the incident.
Official response and prior findings
Following an internal review, the Benton County District Attorney’s Office concluded that the shooting was legally justified. Dakota Lyon later pleaded guilty to second‑degree attempted kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and coercion, receiving a 77‑month prison sentence.
The Albany Police Department declined to comment, noting that it has not yet been formally served with the complaint.
What’s next?
The civil‑rights case will proceed in federal court, where a jury will consider whether the officers’ use of deadly force was warranted under the Constitution. Montgomery emphasized that the lawsuit raises “serious questions about police decision‑making and communication, and then their use of deadly force,” and called for careful examination by the courts.
Community members and local leaders are watching the case closely, as it touches on broader concerns about law‑enforcement accountability and the safety of residents during high‑stress incidents.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
