Oklahoma officer breaks neck of 71-year-old over traffic ticket
- Sgt. Joseph Gibson was charged with aggravated assault for injuring a 71-year-old man during a traffic dispute.
- The incident involved excessive force, leading to severe injuries for the victim including a broken neck.
- The case has sparked outrage within the local community and raised concerns about police conduct and accountability.
In Oklahoma City, an incident occurred on October 27 when Sgt. Joseph Gibson, 28, of the Oklahoma City Police Department, was involved in a confrontation with 71-year-old Lich Vu over a traffic ticket following a non-injury accident. Body-worn camera footage revealed that as the dispute escalated, Gibson slammed Vu to the ground after Vu made contact with him during the argument. This resulted in severe injuries for Vu, including a broken neck, brain bleed, and a fractured eye socket, leading to his hospitalization. After an investigation, prosecutors charged Gibson with one count of aggravated assault and battery, as they concluded that his use of force was unreasonable given the circumstances. Capt. Valerie Littlejohn from the police department confirmed that Gibson had been placed on administrative leave while an inquiry was conducted. The use of force demonstrated in the encounter has prompted outrage, particularly within Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community, where Vu is known. The community's response was further fueled by the revelation that Vu appeared to have difficulty communicating with Gibson during the interaction, raising concerns regarding miscommunication and the appropriateness of the officer's actions in such a scenario. Local community groups and leaders have voiced their discontent over the incident, advocating for accountability concerning police conduct and the implications of excessive force. Mark Nelson, the President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police, acknowledged the seriousness of Vu's injuries while expressing concern over the implications of the charges on law enforcement personnel. Nelson referred to the officer's actions as taken in good faith while fulfilling his duty, indicating that such charges could have a chilling effect on officers in the field and could deter them from taking necessary actions in future altercations. The case reflects broader issues surrounding police use of force and community trust, particularly as it has drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny.