The Oklahoma attorney general on Friday dismissed criminal charges brought against an Oklahoma City police officer who threw a 71-year-old man to the ground during a dispute over a traffic citation.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he intervened to drop charges against Sgt. Joseph Gibson , 28, who was charged with aggravated assault and battery by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna. Gibson came under national scrutiny after he threw a 71-year-old man to the ground during an altercation, causing severe injuries and hospitalization.
Gibson had responded to a vehicle collision in northwest Oklahoma City on Oct. 27. Body camera footage shows Gibson asking the 71-year-old, Lich Vu, to sign a citation, but Vu appeared unwilling to do so. During the heated exchange, Vu appeared to rap his knuckles on Gibson’s chest. That’s when Gibson threw Vu off balance and onto the ground, according to video of the incident.
When charging Gibson, Behenna said the interaction escalated to the point where Gibson performed a “takedown” on Vu, which caused Vu to fall headfirst on the pavement. Her office said Vu sustained significant injuries, including an orbital fracture, neck fracture and a brain bleed.