OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Video of an Oklahoma City Police Officer throwing a 71-year-old to the ground as the two were arguing over a traffic ticket has sparked outrage and has garnered national attention.
“Everyone who's seen that video has been traumatized,” said Jabee Williams, a community activist.
Lich Vu suffered a C1 fracture, orbital fracture, and a brain bleed as a result of the incident.
Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he was dropping the assault and battery charge filed by Oklahoma County DA Vicki Behenna against Sgt. Joseph Gibson. His office released the following statement:
“As Attorney General, I will not permit Oklahoma police officers to 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.
Our law enforcement officers work under constant stress, where the most routine interactions can become life-threatening in an instant. For everyone’s safety, it is imperative to follow an officer’s instructions and to never strike, push, or make any kind of unwelcome physical contact with an officer. This is the law, and the law applies equally to all. 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 conducting a thorough and rigorous investigation to determine whether Sgt. Gibson violated any policies or procedures. The results of that investigation will determine what discipline he may face.”
"I would like to remind the council that just because something is deemed as not criminal, that does not make it right or reasonable,” said Steven Le, of the Asian District Culture Association.
At Tuesday morning’s city council meeting, Le was one of about 10 community members pleading for accountability.
"In order for the family to see justice. We want to make sure that our police officer is reprimanded appropriately, just in a fair way,” said Thuan Ngyuen, the President of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma City. It's very upsetting to many, many people from around the country. Actually, I've heard from some mayors and city council members and also police officers from all across the country.”
During the meeting, City Manager Craig Freeman explained that the Office of Professional Standards is internally investigating the incident. Its recommendation will then make its way to the OKC Police Chief, according to Freeman.
"The Police Chief will then make a decision,” said Freeman. “The City Manager's office ultimately has responsibility for any discipline or anything else that happens within the organization, but typically allowing the department director to make decisions on that. But I will engage with this one with the Police Chief as he's making this decision."
