Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has dismissed a criminal charge against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson was accused of using excessive force during an October 27 incident involving 71-year-old Lich Vu. According to News9, Vu was injured after an argument over a traffic ticket escalated, resulting in Gibson performing a takedown maneuver that caused Vu's head to hit the pavement, leading to serious injuries including an orbital fracture, neck fracture, and a brain bleed.
In a statement obtained by OKCFOX, Drummond said, "As Attorney General, I will not permit Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for conduct adhering to their training." He implored the public to follow officers' instructions and refrain from any form of unwanted physical contact with law enforcement personnel. The decision has sparked disappointment and hurt within the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma, the community to which Vu belongs, with their president-elect, Thuan Nguyen saying the family is particularly troubled while Vu struggles to recover.
Numerous voices have weighed in on the case, with Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna expressing her dissatisfaction with Drummond taking the case away from her office, as she told KFOR. Yet, OKC Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Nelson agreed with the dismissal, stating, "Serving as a police officer is an extremely difficult task that carries the highest expectations." He emphasized that police officers must make split-second decisions and cannot always control the outcomes of volatile situations.
While the criminal charges have been dropped, the Oklahoma City Police Department has confirmed that an internal investigation into whether Gibson violated any department policies or procedures is still ongoing. Gibson remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation. The Vu family has yet to publicly comment on the latest developments, except to note that Vu is still very weak and having a "rough time" recovering, as per News9.
