Elderly Oklahoma City Man At Center Of Police Use-Of-Force Case Dies Nearly A Year Later

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The 72-year-old man whose violent arrest by an Oklahoma City police officer sparked outrage, protests, and calls for reform has died nearly a year after the incident that left him severely injured.

Lich Vu Remembered

Family members confirmed the death of Lich Vu, who passed away Friday while surrounded by relatives. Vu had spent months recovering from the injuries sustained during his October 2024 arrest, which left him with a brain bleed, multiple fractures, and lasting complications. He was also battling bone cancer at the time of his death.

Community leader Thuan Nguyen said Vu’s final message was one of peace. “He did say that he wants to forgive and does forgive Officer Gibson for what he’s done,” Nguyen said. “He’d like to go peacefully.”

The 2024 Arrest Incident

Body-camera footage from October 2024 showed Officer Joseph Gibson throwing Vu to the ground during a dispute over a traffic ticket. The encounter began after Vu lightly tapped Gibson’s chest with the back of his hand, prompting the officer to respond with force that left Vu unconscious on the pavement.

The video quickly went viral, leading to public outrage and Gibson’s temporary suspension from the department. He was later charged with aggravated assault and battery, but the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office dismissed the case in early 2025 — a move that drew sharp criticism from community leaders and lawmakers.

Reform Efforts And Legal Fallout

After the incident, Vu retained civil rights attorney Devon Jacob, who called the officer’s actions “excessive and unlawful” and announced plans for a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city.

In response to community backlash, Police Chief Ron Bacy met with the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma, pledging increased cultural and de-escalation training for officers.

City officials confirmed that Officer Gibson is no longer employed with the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Community Reflection

Vu’s death has renewed attention to the need for police accountability and cultural sensitivity, particularly in interactions with immigrant and elderly residents. Community groups say his story should continue to serve as a catalyst for dialogue between law enforcement and Oklahoma City’s growing Vietnamese-American community.

As Nguyen reflected, “His death should remind us all of why reform and communication are so important. He chose forgiveness — and we owe it to him to keep working for justice.”

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