THE PERSON BEHIND THE CASE
Lonnie
Smith.
A student. An entrepreneur.
A future worth protecting.
Before the arrest headlines, Lonnie was known for House of Soles. His case raises questions about force, public narratives, and the harm that can follow a young person long after charges are dropped.
Explore the case record ↓
See the person.
Protect the possibility of a future.
AUGUST 2025
Pepper spray and arrest
WKAR reported that Lonnie Smith and Mason Woods were pepper sprayed and arrested during Welcome Weekend. City prosecutors subsequently dropped the charges against both men.
November 13, 2025 reporting ↗OVERSIGHT
Complaints and disputed public statements
The oversight commission filed complaints concerning the officers’ use of pepper spray. Its resignation resolution also challenged Brown’s public account of the encounter.
Read the resolution ↗LEGAL CLAIMS
Excessive force and libel allegations
WKAR reported lawsuits by both men alleging excessive force and libel.
Read the reporting ↗