OKCPD officer charged in use-of-force case involving elderly man

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma City Police officer has been charged by the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office after an elderly man was hospitalized following a use-of-force incident in October.

OKCPD Sgt. Joseph Gibson is facing one count of aggravated assault and battery stemming from an incident on October 27.

News 4 obtained body cam footage of the incident that shows Gibson responding to a non-injury accident involving 71-year-old Lich Vu. The situation escalated after Gibson asked Vu to sign for a traffic ticket, and resulted in Vu being slammed to the ground and handcuffed.

Vu was taken to the hospital for injuries including an orbital fracture, neck fracture and brain bleed.

If convicted by a jury, Gibson could face zero to five years in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections or zero to one year in the Oklahoma County Detention Center and/or a fine of up to $500.

The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement on Thursday afternoon regarding the charges filed against Gibson.

The OKC FOP stands behind Sgt. Gibson, who handled this call for service with professionalism. It is very disappointing to see a police officer face felony charges for actions taken in good faith while serving in the line of duty. Sgt. Gibson followed his de-escalation training and protocol when assaulted. 

We recognize the injuries that Mr. Vu sustained, and we are sympathetic to him and his family. However, we believe strongly that every detail of this incident matters and needs to be considered.

We are deeply concerned about the impact this charging decision will have on the ability of officers to rely on their training and professional judgment to preserve order and protect the public.

Mark Nelson, President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police