By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond dismissed felony assault charges against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson, who was accused of breaking a 71-year-old man’s neck during a traffic stop altercation. Drummond cited the officer’s adherence to training and a lack of criminal intent, despite video evidence showing Gibson throwing the man to the ground. The decision followed outrage from the victim’s community and the District Attorney’s assertion that the force used was unreasonable. Drummond maintained that the victim’s actions initiated the escalation.
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Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, dismissed a felony assault charge against Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Joseph Gibson. This decision followed an incident where Gibson slammed 71-year-old Lich Vu to the ground, resulting in a broken neck, brain bleed, and broken eye socket. The incident stemmed from an argument over a traffic ticket, captured on body-worn camera footage.
The dismissal sparked significant outrage and criticism. The video clearly shows Vu, who had difficulty communicating with Gibson, lightly touching the officer during their argument. Drummond justified his decision by stating that he would not permit Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for actions adhering to their training. He claimed Gibson did not exhibit criminal intent.
This assertion, however, is deeply troubling. The idea that throwing a 71-year-old man to the ground, causing such severe injuries, aligns with police training is deeply concerning. It suggests a systemic issue within police training protocols, perhaps emphasizing excessive force rather than de-escalation techniques.
The District Attorney, Vicki Behenna, expressed surprise and disappointment over Drummond’s intervention, highlighting the fact that the case was removed from the jurisdiction of Oklahoma County and the citizens it serves. The incident also fueled outrage within Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community, particularly given Vu’s apparent difficulty understanding the officer and the disproportionate force used.
Many believe that the AG’s decision sets a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening police officers to use excessive force with impunity. The lack of accountability in this instance casts doubt on the ability of the justice system to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions, particularly against vulnerable populations.
The incident is viewed by many as indicative of broader issues within the state’s law enforcement and justice systems. The lack of consequences in this case, coupled with the AG’s justification, fuels the perception that the system is biased towards law enforcement, regardless of the severity of their actions. Public trust in law enforcement is further eroded, a sentiment amplified by the comments expressing anger, disbelief, and disillusionment with the outcome.
The sheer brutality of the action and the subsequent dismissal of charges have prompted widespread condemnation. Many commentators questioned the adequacy of police training if such actions are deemed acceptable. The use of the phrase “conduct adhering to their training” has been met with widespread incredulity and condemnation, with many questioning the ethical and professional standards of the training programs themselves.
The AG’s decision has ignited broader discussions about police accountability, excessive force, and the need for systemic reform within law enforcement. Concerns regarding racial bias in policing, in light of Vu’s ethnicity and language barrier, have also been raised, suggesting a multi-faceted problem within the state. The incident underscores a deep-seated distrust in authorities and justice, with some even calling for extrajudicial action against the officer involved.
The overall reaction reveals a profound sense of injustice and the feeling that the system is rigged against victims of police misconduct. The lack of consequences for Gibson raises serious questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the protection of vulnerable members of society. The event serves as a potent reminder of the deep-seated challenges in addressing police brutality and the need for systemic change to ensure accountability and justice. Without meaningful consequences for such actions, a climate of fear and distrust will continue to thrive, undermining the very foundations of a fair and equitable justice system.