Exclusive: New video depicts aftermath of former OKC officer’s attack on Lich Vu
An exclusive video captured the aftermath of a disturbing incident that occurred during an Oklahoma City traffic stop on October 27, 2024. The footage reveals a tense exchange between 71-year-old Lich Vu and the former Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Joseph Gibson, culminating in an aggressive physical confrontation.
According to reports, the confrontation erupted after Vu contested a ticket issued to him by Gibson for an alleged improper U-turn. The released footage demonstrates the escalation of a verbal argument between the two individuals, leading to Gibson forcibly pushing Vu to the ground following a physical interaction. As a consequence of this act, Vu sustained severe injuries, including a C1 fracture, an orbital fracture, and a brain bleed, necessitating surgery and leaving him in a frail state of health.
Subsequently, the Oklahoma City Police Department initiated both internal criminal and administrative investigations into Gibson’s actions, placing him on administrative leave pending the outcomes of these inquiries. Later, in December 2024, the Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna pressed charges against Gibson for aggravated assault and battery, highlighting that the level of force exerted by the officer was deemed unreasonable.
Despite Behenna’s charges, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond controversially intervened and dismissed the case against Gibson, asserting that the officer’s actions were consistent with his training and did not warrant criminal prosecution. This decision sparked outrage among the Vietnamese community, with leaders advocating for accountability and justice for Vu.
Thuan Nguyen, the President of the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma, expressed disappointment and pain on behalf of the community and Vu’s family, reflecting on the profound impact of the incident. While efforts to gather Gibson’s perspective on the events have been made, he has not provided a statement directly to the public, with former Attorney General Mike Hunter representing him in legal matters.
The aftermath of this incident continues to resonate within the Oklahoma City community, prompting discussions on police conduct, accountability, and the treatment of civilians during law enforcement encounters. As the case unfolds, the pursuit of justice for Lich Vu remains a poignant reminder of the importance of transparency, integrity, and fairness in upholding public trust in law enforcement institutions.