Bodycam Video Police Officer Slams Elderly Man: Now Under Investigation

The incident left Vu hospitalized with severe injuries, including a brain bleed and a broken neck, and has ignited widespread criticism over the officer’s actions. The bodycam footage, which has since gone viral, captures a tense interaction between Officer Gibson and Vu, who appeared to struggle with a language barrier. What began as a traffic stop for an improper U-turn escalated into a violent confrontation, leading to a full internal investigation into Gibson’s conduct.

THE TRAFFIC STOP THAT TURNED VIOLENT

The bodycam footage starts with Officer Joseph Gibson issuing a citation to Lich Vu for making an improper U-turn. However, a clear language barrier became evident as Vu struggled to understand the situation. The exchange became increasingly heated as Vu hesitated to sign the citation, a necessary step to avoid being arrested. Gibson, maintaining that refusal to sign would result in jail time, continued to press the issue.

“I’m ready to go to jail,” Lich Vu said during the exchange.

The tension between the two grew, and as Vu exited the car, the situation deteriorated further. At one point, Lich Vu appeared to tap Gibson’s chest with the back of his fingers, which seemed to trigger the officer’s aggressive response. In a sudden and shocking moment, Gibson slammed the 70-year-old to the ground with considerable force.

THE INJURIES AND ONGOING RECOVERY

The aftermath of the incident revealed the severe toll it had taken on Lich Vu already fragile health. His daughter, Teresa Vu, shared on social media that her father had been suffering from bone cancer prior to the incident and described the devastating impact of the excessive force used against him.

“This is not how you treat someone that is 5’3, 115 lbs with bone cancer after a car accident,” she wrote, posting images of Lich Vu bruised and bloodied head. She added that her father was left with a broken neck, requiring a feeding tube and extensive medical care.

“He’s conscious now; he can speak and recognize people,” Teresa updated on November 6. “Sometimes he gets frustrated because he can’t remember why he’s there or how he got there, which is understandable. He can’t swallow anything properly because of his neck fracture.”

Vu remains hospitalized, undergoing treatment for his injuries, including surgery to address complications from the brain bleed. His family has expressed deep frustration over the incident, questioning how such force could be justified against a frail elderly man who posed no significant threat.

POLICE RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION

The Oklahoma City Police Department announced an internal investigation into the incident immediately after the bodycam footage came to light. Officer Gibson, a six-year veteran of the force, was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Speaking to local media, Police Chief Ron Bacy acknowledged the disturbing nature of the video and assured the public that the investigation would be thorough. “I think anyone can acknowledge that the video is disturbing, and we understand the community’s concerns,” Bacy said. “As chief of police, my job is to ensure a fair and thorough investigation to provide due process for all involved parties.”

Chief Bacy dismissed concerns over bias in the investigation, emphasizing that the case would ultimately be forwarded to an independent prosecuting authority for review. “It’s going to be forwarded to and reviewed by a prosecuting authority, which is completely independent from the police department, and they will make an assessment on that on their own,” he said.

The department has not released a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion, but pressure continues to mount from the community for accountability and transparency.

COMMUNITY REACTION AND CALLS FOR JUSTICE

The video has sparked outrage across Oklahoma City and beyond, with community members and advocates calling for accountability in what many see as a clear instance of excessive force. Critics have highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, both due to his age and his preexisting health conditions, and questioned whether the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances.

Civil rights organizations and local leaders have called for reforms in police training, particularly in handling situations involving language barriers and vulnerable individuals. The incident has reignited debates about the use of force in policing, shining a spotlight on how officers are trained to de-escalate tense situations.

For Vu’s family, the focus remains on his recovery and the pursuit of justice. His daughter’s heartfelt social media posts have drawn widespread sympathy and support, as well as calls for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A CASE THAT DEMANDS ANSWERS

As the investigation into Officer Joseph Gibson’s actions continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in law enforcement. The bodycam footage has provided a harrowing glimpse into an encounter that went terribly wrong, leaving an elderly man hospitalized and a community demanding answers.

While the Oklahoma City Police Department has committed to a thorough review of the incident, the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, not only by Vu’s family but also by advocates for justice and police reform. The incident underscores the critical need for improved training, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals and language barriers, to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

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Bodycam Video Police Officer Slams Elderly Man, Officer Slams Elderly Man, Officer Joseph Gibson, Lich Vu

Bodycam Video Police Officer Slams Elderly Man, Officer Slams Elderly Man, Officer Joseph Gibson, Lich Vu