SCRANTON — John Wright filed a federal civil lawsuit against the city of Scranton and police officers Benjamin Douglas Snyder, Matthew Grippo, and Brian Lynady on March 25, 2025. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleges violations of Wright's Fourth and 14th Amendment rights during a November 17, 2024, incident.

The lawsuit claims officers entered Wright's home without a warrant and used excessive force. Wright alleges officers pushed their way into his apartment, forced him to the floor, and handcuffed him without a warrant or exigent circumstances. Wright says he suffered injuries during his arrest.

According to the complaint, police officers Snyder and Grippo were dispatched to a Willow Street address at approximately 11:00 PM on November 17, 2024, following a report of a suspicious person in white clothing. Officer Lynady responded to the scene and observed Wright, who matched the description. Officer Lynady ordered Wright to stop, but Wright did not comply and continued walking. Officer Lynady ordered Wright to stop again near a laundromat in the 400 block of Pittston Avenue and verbally indicated he was detained. Wright ran upstairs to his apartment, where officers Snyder and Grippo knocked on his door. Wright initially refused to open the door.

The complaint states, "Being present in a public area and matching a vague description of a suspicious person as a Black male in white clothing does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity." The lawsuit also alleges the city of Scranton failed to properly train its police officers. Wright was charged with resisting arrest and fleeing police officers, leading him to spend nearly six months in jail. The charges against Wright were dismissed on May 29, 2025. Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said, "Upon reviewing the case, we determined that it lacked prosecutorial merit and it was withdrawn."

Attorney Sean McDonough stated that a theft earlier in the day and Wright's erratic behavior were a sufficient basis to stop Wright and ask for identification. The city of Scranton filed a response to the lawsuit on June 30. The city admitted officers did not have a warrant to enter Wright's apartment but asserted he invited them in. It also asserted that officers had a legally sufficient reason to arrest Wright without a warrant and denies allegations that Wright was injured during the arrest. The city denies that the dismissal of charges reflects any constitutional misstep by the city or its officers. The city, Snyder, Grippo, and Lynady have asked the court to dismiss the case and grant them costs and attorney's fees. City Solicitor Jessica Eskra said, "We do not wish to comment on pending litigation."

Wright seeks compensatory damages for physical harm, loss of liberty, and emotional distress. He also seeks punitive damages against the individual officers and reimbursement for attorney's fees and legal costs.