LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — An officer at the center of two federal civil rights lawsuits against the city of East Lansing was convicted of crimes in Eaton and Clinton Counties, according to county and state records obtained by 6 News Investigates.
The documents show East Lansing Police Officer Andrew Lyon was convicted of operating while under the influence second offense, violations of the controlled substances act and misdemeanor aggravated domestic violence second offense.
Community advocates ‘shocked’, ‘disappointed’ to learn of East Lansing Police officer’s convictions
Lyon is at the center of controversy – and a lawsuit – after he pepper-sprayed Lonnie Smith and Mason Woods during an incident in front of Dave’s Hot Chicken in downtown East Lansing in August of 2025. Both were charged with “disorderly conduct fighting” in East Lansing’s 54-B District Court. Woods was additionally charged with a misdemeanor resisting, obstructing, and/or hindering an officer.
East Lansing police said in a Sept. 26 news release that several officers responded to a crowd where police say they observed physical violence occurring between Smith and Woods. The department released multiple body cam videos from the incident…