OKLAHOMA CITY — Lich Vu, the Vietnamese American elder whose violent arrest by an Oklahoma City Police Department sergeant sparked outrage last year, has died nearly a year after the incident. Local outlets reported his death late Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, while his family’s federal civil-rights lawsuit remains active.
What happened last year
In early November, Free Press published and analyzed police-released video of the Oct. 27, 2024 stop, showing Sgt. Joseph Gibson throwing Vu to the pavement after a brief exchange during a minor crash investigation on the Northwest 39th Street Expressway. Vu, then in his early 70s, was hospitalized with a brain bleed and fractures.
Free Press continued to follow developments over the next several months.
Weeks later, the Oklahoma County District Attorney charged Gibson with aggravated assault and battery, citing video that showed the slam that left Vu injured.
On Dec. 28, 2024, Attorney General Gentner Drummond dismissed that felony charge. Internal OKCPD investigators had recommended criminal charges; however, the AG stated that the officer’s actions were within the scope of training.
In early January, Asian and Vietnamese community leaders pressed city officials for accountability and reforms, urging that Gibson be removed from patrol and calling for stronger de-escalation and cultural-awareness training.
Gibson has since resigned from the Oklahoma City Police Department.
This week’s development: Vu’s death
After it was announced at the Asian Night Market in OKC on Friday, KOCO reported that Vu, 72, “died in his sleep,” with his attorney saying Vu’s health rapidly declined after the encounter despite being active while also battling cancer. KOKH/FOX25 likewise reported Vu’s death on Saturday, noting the case’s continuing impact and the pending federal lawsuit. Authorities are evaluating whether the death is tied to injuries from the 2024 incident.
Legal status
According to KOCO’s report, the family’s federal civil-rights case remains on file and will continue after Vu’s passing. (Any move to amend the case to add wrongful-death claims had not been reported as of publication.)
Community response and context
Community leaders who addressed the City Council in January framed Vu’s case as a test of transparency, training, and language-access in policing—a theme likely to intensify following his death.
What we don’t know yet
As of Sunday, Oct. 5, there has been no publicly reported final medical determination of cause of death or an official ruling connecting it to the 2024 injuries. Free Press will seek confirmation from the Oklahoma County Medical Examiner and review any new court filings when they become available.
Our prior coverage
- Police produce video of arrest, injury of 70-year-old man (Nov. 9, 2024) — Initial video and incident details.
- OKCPD officer charged with felony from arrest of 71-yr-old (Dec. 5, 2024) — DA files aggravated-assault charge.
- OK County DA’s charges … dismissed by Okla AG Drummond (Dec. 28, 2024) — State drops case against Gibson.
- Asian leaders demand City of OKC hold police accountable (Jan. 2, 2025) — Community pushes for action and reforms.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as additional records and responses are released.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
