OKLAHOMA CITY — The felony assault charge against an Oklahoma City police officer, who caused a 71-year-old man to sustain serious injuries during a traffic ticket dispute, has been dismissed by the state’s Republican attorney general.
Gentner Drummond made the announcement on Friday, stating his intervention in the matter led to the dismissal of the aggravated assault and battery charge against Sgt. Joseph Gibson, 28. The decision follows charges brought against Gibson earlier this month by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna, who responded to body camera footage showing the officer forcefully slamming Lich Vu to the ground after a brief argument concerning a minor traffic incident that occurred on October 27.
In his statement, Drummond emphasized his position on law enforcement conduct, asserting that he would not allow Oklahoma police officers to be criminally prosecuted for actions consistent with their training. He described the aftermath of the incident as heartbreaking for Vu and his family but insisted that there was no criminal intent on Gibson’s part.
Prosecutors highlighted that following the altercation, Vu suffered serious injuries, including a brain bleed along with a broken neck and eye socket. In response to Drummond’s decision, Behenna expressed her surprise and disappointment, pointing out that her office found the use of force by Gibson to be excessive.
Drummond maintained that Vu’s actions, specifically touching Gibson during their confrontation, played a significant role in the incident. “No individual is allowed to hit or push an officer, regardless of language barriers or cultural differences,” he stated, suggesting that the unfortunate circumstances could have been avoided had Vu refrained from physical contact.
The severity of the situation has sparked strong reactions within Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community, particularly due to Vu’s apparent difficulties in understanding Gibson during their interaction.
Gibson’s defense attorney, who served as Oklahoma’s attorney general in the past, expressed approval of Drummond’s decision, deeming it well thought out and justified. Meanwhile, Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police, acknowledged the tragic nature of the situation, expressing hopes for Vu’s rapid recovery.
He also highlighted the challenges officers face, noting that they often must make quick decisions in unpredictable situations. Nelson reiterated that resisting law enforcement can heighten the risk of harm, both for the individual involved and for others.
