Oklahoma AG steps in to nix charges against police officer for takedown of 71 year old
The Oklahoma attorney general on Friday dismissed criminal charges brought against an Oklahoma City police officer who threw a 71-year-old man to the ground during a dispute over a traffic citation.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he intervened to drop charges against Sgt. Joseph Gibson, 28, who was charged with aggravated assault and battery by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna. Gibson came under national scrutiny after he threw a 71-year-old man to the ground during an altercation, causing severe injuries and hospitalization.
Gibson had responded to a vehicle collision in northwest Oklahoma City on Oct. 27. Body camera footage shows Gibson asking the 71-year-old, Lich Vu, to sign a citation, but Vu appeared unwilling to do so. During the heated exchange, Vu appeared to rap his knuckles on Gibson's chest. That's when Gibson threw Vu off balance and onto the ground, according to video of the incident.
When charging Gibson, Behenna said the interaction escalated to the point where Gibson performed a “takedown” on Vu, which caused Vu to fall headfirst on the pavement. Her office said Vu sustained significant injuries, including an orbital fracture, neck fracture and a brain bleed.
The Paste BN Network has reached out to Behenna's office for comment.
After taking over Behenna's case and dropping charges, Drummond announced he would not let police officers "face criminal prosecution for conduct adhering to their training."
"While the outcome of this incident is unquestionably devastating for Mr. Vu and his family, I do not believe the officer exhibited criminal intent," Drummond said in a statement Friday afternoon.
Drummond also said it is never acceptable for a member of the public to strike, push, or otherwise make unwanted physical contact with a police officer.
"This is the law, and the law applies equally to all," Drummond said. "No individual is allowed to hit or push an officer, regardless of whether he or she doesn’t understand English well or comes from a different culture. The simple truth is, this unfortunate incident never would have occurred if Mr. Vu had kept his hands to himself."
The Oklahoma City Police Department is still conducting an investigation into whether Gibson violated any policies or procedures, Drummond said.
The Mapping Police Violence project estimates law enforcement officers in the U.S. use force on at least 300,000 people each year, and about 30% are reported injured as a result. The group noted the majority of people that officers use force against are charged with nonviolent offenses.
Contributing: Minnah Arshad, Paste BN