A 21-year-old college lacrosse player was shot at least five times by Albany police officers after escaping an alleged hostage situation involving his older brother, who was armed with a knite, according to a federal lawsuit and police investigation.
Maverick Lyon was visiting his family’s home in the 1300 block of NW Twins Lane when his 27-year-old brother, John
“Dakota” Lyon, grabbed a kitchen knife and held him hostage.
Their father, David Lyon, called 911 after viewing home security footage showing the confrontation. He reportedly informed dispatchers that Dakota was shirtless and wearing pajama pants, while Maverick wore a gray long-sleeved shirt.
According to the lawsuit, Maverick grabbed another knite to defend himself before attempting to escape through the back door. Officers encountered the brothers and ordered Maverick to come outside and drop the knife. The complaint alleges he discarded it before crossing the doorway, but officers nevertheless opened fire. Another officer deployed a Taser.
Maverick sustained at least five gunshot wounds to his chest, back and face.
After being shot, Maverick told officers they had mistaken him for his brother. He was hospitalized for approximately tour weeks and underwent multiple surgeries, including removal of part of his right lung, spleen and appendix, along with reconstructive surgery to his digestive system.
Criminal History: Dakota Lyon had previously been convicted of assault and weapons offenses and was released from prison in November 2025 under post-prison supervision. Following the January incident, he pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and coercion.
In June 2026, he received a 77-month prison sentence.
Benton County District Attorney Ryan S. Joslin determined that the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified, citing the circumstances confronting them. On November 2, 2026, Maverick filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Albany, involved officers and Benton County, alleging excessive force, battery and negligence. The Albany Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigatio
