An Oklahoma City police sergeant faces serious charges after being accused of assaulting 71-year-old Licha Vu, a Vietnamese American veteran, during what was supposed to be a routine traffic investigation. The incident, which took place on October 27, 2024, unfolded following a minor vehicle collision when Vu and his wife were returning home from church.
Sergeant Joseph Gibson, 28, was dispatched to the scene after another vehicle collided with Vu's at the intersection of NW 39th Street and N. Meridian Avenue. Initial reports indicated no injuries had occurred from the fender bender, but the situation escalated dramatically when Gibson attempted to issue Vu a citation for what he claimed was an illegal U-turn.
Body camera footage released by the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) shows Vu visibly confused and struggling to understand why he was being cited. "She is hitting me, and I get a citation?" Vu protested, pointing out the relative guilt of the other driver. Rather than defusing the situation, the interaction grew tense.
According to eyewitness accounts and the video evidence, Vu exited his vehicle to explain how the collision happened, gesturing toward the intersection. Communication between Vu and Gibson faltered, largely due to a language barrier. At one point, Vu expressed his frustration by lightly tapping the officer on the chest and saying, "Shut up!" This act, though minor, provoked Gibson's aggressive response.
Within seconds, the officer twisted Vu's arms behind his back and threw him to the ground headfirst, employing what police reports identified as a "takedown" maneuver. Vu's head struck the pavement with alarming force, resulting in severe injuries: orbital and neck fractures, along with bleeding on the brain. His wife can be heard pleading, "No, no, no please, sir," as the situation turned violent.
After the incident, Vu was rushed to the hospital, where he remains under care, reportedly fading in and out of consciousness. His daughter disclosed to local news stations how the events have taken a grave toll on Vu, who has been unable to continue treatment for his pre-existing condition, bone cancer.
The troubling incident has sparked outrage not only within the local Vietnamese community but also on social media and beyond. Thuan Nguyen, president-elect of the Vietnamese Community of Oklahoma, stated, "The community seeks maximum justice" for Vu, reflecting the wider public sentiment demanding accountability for police actions.
The OKCPD released their statement ten days after the altercation, pledging to investigate the excessive use of force shown by Gibson. Following the investigation, the Oklahoma County District Attorney, Vicki Zemp Behanna, confirmed on December 5, 2024, the officer's use of force was deemed unreasonable. Consequently, prosecutors filed one felony count of aggravated assault against Gibson.
Reactions have been polarized. While advocates and community leaders have welcomed the decision to charge Gibson, the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police expressed disappointment, claiming the actions taken by Gibson were justified under the duress of the situation. They described the incident as one where the officer was acting "in good faith."
"It is very disappointing to see a police officer face felony charges for actions taken in good faith," the Fraternal Order of Police stated, defending Gibson’s decisions during the encounter and maintaining he utilized de-escalation techniques which he was trained to apply.
Despite the support from the police union, the incident sheds light on broader concerns surrounding policing practices, particularly how officers interact with vulnerable individuals. Activists have noted this encounter is part of a larger pattern of aggressive behavior from local police officers toward community members, especially those who are elderly or struggle with language barriers.
Community leaders have since engaged with local authorities to discuss reforms aimed at bridging these language gaps and promoting more compassionate interactions between police and residents. They argue it’s imperative to equip law enforcement with the necessary resources to effectively communicate with diverse communities and to adopt training programs focusing on conflict de-escalation.
The significant injuries suffered by Vu have sparked renewed calls for reform and accountability within the police department. This tragic incident exemplifies the pressing need for not only immediate justice for Vu but also long-lasting change to protocols governing police interactions with the public.
Officials have promised to take the necessary steps to review the training provided to officers and facilitate greater oversight concerning excessive use of force incidents, ensuring the rights and safety of all citizens are upheld.
For now, the Vietnamese community watches closely, hoping justice will be served as they rally for supportive measures aimed at fostering positive relations between police and minority communities.
Vu’s family has also expressed the emotional and psychological strain this incident has put on them, emphasizing the hospital's stress on not only Vu's physical health but also on how the family grapples with the ramifications of police violence.
The outcome of this case could ripple through the community, demonstrating how law enforcement might change—or fail to change—in the face of scrutiny. The charges against Gibson signal accountability; now the onus is on the justice system to respond effectively to the community's deep-rooted concerns about police misconduct.