Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the specifics of Officer Andrew Lyon’s criminal convictions. We regret the error.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Community advocates are responding after 6 News Investigates uncovered prior criminal convictions for the East Lansing Police Officer at the center of the controversial “Welcome Week” pepper-spraying incident.
6 News Investigates obtained records from ELPD Officer Andrew Lyon’s employee file when he was a deputy with the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office. It showed that he had prior convictions violating the controlled substances act.
The document outlining his separation appears to imply he was convicted of additional crimes that would have excluded his ability to obtain a law enforcement license. But Tim Bourgeois, executive director of the commission, tells 6 News Investigates Lyon’s only convictions were drug related. He acknowledged the form the agency uses is confusing and that he will be working with the technical staff to change the form…