A family dispute escalated into a violent confrontation that left a young man shot by police and his older brother headed to prison.
ALBANY, OR – A Benton County man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after prosecutors say he attempted to kidnap his younger brother at knifepoint, triggering a police response that ended with officers shooting the victim during a chaotic encounter at the family’s home.
John “Dakota” Lyon, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and coercion, according to the Benton County District Attorney’s Office. He was sentenced to six years and five months in prison, followed by two years of community supervision.
The incident unfolded Jan. 6 at the Lyon family home in North Albany, where 21-year-old Maverick Lyon was visiting during winter break. Prosecutors said Dakota Lyon had recently returned to the residence after serving a 58-month prison sentence for attempted first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
Prosecutors said Dakota accused his brother “of conspiring with their father” and armed himself with a knife.
“Dakota armed himself with a large kitchen knife and while holding onto Maverick’s shirt, pulled him throughout the house, implying he would harm Maverick with the knife,” prosecutors said. “Despite Maverick’s pleadings, Dakota refused to release him or to put the knife down.”
Police response and shooting
The brothers’ father called 911 after witnessing the situation through home surveillance. Officers arrived as Maverick attempted to escape.
According to an earlier joint press release, “Officers approached the door of the residence, where they saw through the door window, at least one man holding a knife. The officers gave loud verbal commands. Officers were in close proximity when a man holding a knife opened the door and quickly began to exit towards the officers. Two officers fired multiple shots from their duty pistols, striking the man multiple times.”
A later account from prosecutors clarified that Maverick had broken free and was attempting to flee when he was shot.
“Maverick broke free of Dakota, and rushed out the back door. Unfortunately, Maverick still had a knife in his hand as he began to break the plane of the door,” the district attorney’s office said. “Maverick began dropping the knife, but officers, fearing for theirs and other officers’ lives, fired their weapons at Maverick. Maverick was struck several times.”
As officers rendered aid, Maverick told them, “You shot the wrong guy,” according to prosecutors.
Investigators said Maverick had picked up a knife at Dakota’s direction during the incident. “During the event, Maverick Lyon obtained a separate knife at the apparent direction of Dakota Lyon,” the original release stated.
Aftermath and sentencing
Dakota Lyon was taken into custody at the scene and has remained jailed since his arrest. Authorities recovered a second knife near him.
Maverick survived the shooting and underwent surgery followed by a lengthy recovery. Prosecutors said he “appears to be doing well.”
Officials also noted that methamphetamine may have influenced Dakota Lyon’s behavior. A urine sample taken that day tested positive for the drug, and he was believed to have recently resumed use.
“The tragic shooting was a direct result of Dakota Lyon’s actions,” prosecutor Amie Matusko said. “As Dakota marched Maverick around the house at knife point, Maverick feared for his life and wanted nothing more but to escape his drug crazed older brother. But for Dakota’s actions, police would not have been called, Maverick would not be a victim of kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon, and coercion, and the police would not have shot Maverick.”
During sentencing, Dakota Lyon’s attorney said his client expressed remorse, stating he “wished he could have taken the bullets instead of Maverick,” according to prosecutors.
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