The recent indictment of Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson for the brutal treatment of 71-year-old Lich Vu has sparked outrage among those advocating for systemic changes to policing. Gibson, charged with aggravated assault and battery, is accused of violently escalating a routine interaction on October 27, slamming Vu to the ground during a traffic stop and causing severe injuries, including an orbital fracture, neck fracture, and brain bleed.
This case highlights the ongoing misuse of force against vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, raising concerns about accountability in policing. Vu’s injuries required hospitalization, a stark reminder of the devastating physical and emotional toll of such encounters. “This incident reflects a broader pattern of unchecked violence that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities,” said one abolitionist advocate.
Bodycam footage of the incident, obtained by News 4, reveals the moment Gibson responded to what was described as a non-injury accident. After Vu refused to sign a traffic ticket, Gibson resorted to physical force, handcuffing the elderly man after throwing him to the ground. Critics argue that such incidents exemplify how officers prioritize control and punishment over de-escalation and human dignity.
The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police defended Gibson, claiming he acted “with professionalism” and followed “de-escalation training and protocol.” However, local social justice organizers challenge this narrative, emphasizing that the violence inflicted on Vu underscores the inherent failures of policing as a system. “How can an action that leaves a man with a brain bleed be called ‘good faith?’” asked a local organizer.
If convicted, Gibson faces up to five years in prison, but critics argue that incarceration alone is insufficient to address systemic issues. Instead, they call for transformative solutions that move away from punitive models and toward community-driven alternatives. “This isn’t about one bad officer—it’s about an entire structure that allows such violence to persist,” said another advocate. For many, Vu’s case is a painful yet urgent call to rethink how public safety is approached.
Link: KFOR
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