A 21-year-old college athlete has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Albany Police Department and a Benton County probation officer, alleging excessive force and negligence after he was shot five times by police officers who mistook him for his brother during a hostage situation at his family’s home in North Albany, Oregon, on January 6.
The lawsuit, filed by Stritmatter Law, states that Maverick Lyon was held at knifepoint by his older brother, John 'Dakota' Lyon, 27, who had relapsed into drug use. Lyon’s father called 911 after observing the altercation on a security video. Lyon escaped by grabbing a knife in self-defense and fled through the back door, dropping the weapon before officers opened fire.
Lyon suffered life-threatening injuries, including the removal of half his right lung, his spleen, and his appendix, as well as extensive reconstructive surgery. He spent four weeks in the hospital and missed his senior lacrosse season at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.
Immediate Aftermath and Legal Claims
According to the lawsuit, Lyon was shot at least five times despite following police commands. Bodycam and doorbell footage cited in the lawsuit shows Lyon repeatedly shouting, “You shot the wrong guy – he was holding me hostage” as he lay bleeding on the ground. The lawsuit alleges that officers Matt Thomas and Engle Diaz failed to distinguish Lyon from his brother, despite Lyon’s father providing descriptions of their clothing to dispatchers.
Lyon’s attorneys argue that the officers’ actions violated his Fourth Amendment rights through excessive force, battery, and negligence. The lawsuit also names a Benton County probation officer, citing failures in communication and coordination during the response.
Family Statement and Police Response
In a statement, Lyon’s parents, David and Laura Lyon, expressed devastation over the incident. “I called the police that day because I wanted to protect Maverick, and instead, the very people I called for help ended up nearly taking his life,” Laura Lyon said. The family has described the shooting as “devastating consequences when law enforcement fails to distinguish someone posing a threat.”
The city of Albany and Benton County have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, stating they do not discuss pending litigation. The Albany Police Department has not issued a formal response regarding the officers’ actions.
Timeline of Events
- January 5, 2025: Lyon’s parents allowed his brother, John 'Dakota' Lyon, to live in a separate studio apartment at their home following his release from prison.
- January 6, 2025: After Lyon’s brother held him at knifepoint, Lyon’s father called 911 upon seeing the altercation on security footage. Lyon escaped with a knife, dropped it, and was shot by police as he fled.
- January 6–February 2025: Lyon underwent multiple surgeries, including the removal of part of his lung, spleen, and appendix, and spent four weeks hospitalized.
- March 2025: Lyon filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Albany Police Department and a Benton County probation officer, alleging excessive force and negligence.
Broader Context and Ongoing Concerns
The lawsuit raises questions about police response protocols in hostage situations, particularly when family members are involved. Lyon’s attorneys argue that the officers’ failure to use available descriptions of the brothers’ clothing contributed to the shooting. The case highlights concerns about law enforcement’s ability to de-escalate situations involving individuals in mental health or substance abuse crises and the potential consequences of misidentification in high-stress scenarios.