Lonnie Smith, a 22-year-old black student, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of East Lansing, Officer Andrew Lyon, and Chief Jennifer Brown in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The case stems from an incident on August 24, 2025, when Smith was allegedly pepper-sprayed and wrongfully arrested by Officer Lyon while trying to deescalate a situation involving his friend. The complaint accuses the defendants of excessive force, false arrest, and libel, among other charges. Smith seeks damages for violations of his constitutional rights under both federal and Michigan law.
Source: 125cv01380_Lonnie_Smith_v_City_of_East_Lansing_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
