After further evaluation of the case, Attorney General Gentner Drummond decided to dismiss the aggravated assault and battery charge against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson. This decision was made following an incident where Gibson threw a 71-year-old man, Lich Vu, to the ground, breaking his neck, during an argument over a traffic ticket. The body-worn camera video released by the police showed the altercation between Gibson and Vu, leading to the charge being filed by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna. Drummond asserted that he did not believe Gibson exhibited criminal intent and stated that he would not allow Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for conduct aligned with their training.
The incident resulted in Vu suffering serious injuries including a brain bleed and a broken neck and eye socket. Behenna expressed her surprise and disappointment with Drummond’s decision to intervene in the case and dismiss the charge. She previously stated that the prosecutors had determined Gibson’s actions to be an unreasonable use of force. Drummond defended his decision by emphasizing that individuals are not allowed to hit or push an officer, regardless of language barriers or cultural differences. He suggested that the incident could have been avoided if Vu had not touched Gibson during the argument.
The use of force by Gibson sparked outrage in Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community, as the video showed Vu struggling to communicate with the officer due to language barriers. Gibson’s attorney, former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, supported Drummond’s decision to drop the charge, stating that it was well-reasoned and correct. The President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police, Mark Nelson, expressed empathy for Vu and wished him a speedy recovery. Nelson also emphasized the challenges police officers face in making split-second decisions and the increased risk of harm when individuals resist law enforcement.
The decision to dismiss the charge against Gibson has ignited debate and controversy within the Oklahoma community. While some support Drummond’s decision and believe it was justified based on the circumstances of the incident, others argue that Gibson’s use of force was excessive and that criminal charges should have been pursued. The case has shed light on the complexities of interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially in situations where language barriers may impede communication. The outcome of this case has raised questions about the appropriate use of force by police officers and the accountability measures in place to address instances of excessive force.
Moving forward, it is essential for law enforcement agencies and officials to closely examine their policies and training procedures to ensure that officers are equipped to handle diverse interactions appropriately. Communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and de-escalation techniques should be prioritized to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, community engagement and dialogue can help build trust between law enforcement and minority communities, fostering positive relationships and reducing tensions. The dismissal of the charge against Gibson serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in balancing the need for public safety with respect for individual rights and dignity.
