Mason Woods, a 22-year-old resident of East Lansing, Michigan, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of East Lansing and its police officers following an incident on August 24, 2025. Woods alleges that he was pepper-sprayed, wrongfully arrested, and falsely accused of engaging in a fight during Michigan State University’s welcome-week celebrations. The complaint accuses Officer Andrew Lyon of using excessive force without warning and Chief Jennifer Brown of making defamatory statements about Woods being part of a group of minorities committing crimes. The lawsuit seeks damages for violations under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as state law claims for libel and slander.
Source: 125cv01381_Mason_Woods_v_City_of_East_Lansing_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
