WARNING: The video in this story contains graphic material that may be upsetting to viewers. Discretion is advised.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma City officer is under investigation over his actions during an encounter with a 71-year-old driver at the scene of a car accident on Oct. 27.
Police say the officer used force on the driver, leaving the man seriously injured.
The officer initially gave the man, Lich Vu, a ticket for causing a minor crash, but the encounter escalated and Vu ended up in handcuffs and unconscious.
Oklahoma City police released body camera footage Friday, more than a week after the encounter.
The officer, who has not been named, was called to a crash along NW 39th Expressway. Both drivers were given tickets, but Vu felt he shouldn’t receive one.
Throughout the encounter with Vu, who is Vietnamese, there appears to be a language barrier. The officer later tells Lich if he doesn’t sign the ticket, he will be taken to jail.
Moments later, the officer speaks with Lich again about what he allegedly did wrong. Lich and a woman with him argued that the other driver was at fault.
In that moment, Lich appears to hit the officer’s chest lightly and tells the officer to “shut up.”
The officer then grabs Lich and forcefully takes him to the ground. Lich suffered “serious injuries,” according to police.
In a report, the officer wrote, “I perceived Lich touching me that things were going to escalate.”
He went on to say, “I placed Lich in handcuffs and observed Lich not respond and appeared to be unconscious.”
Lich later regained consciousness and was treated for his injuries at a local hospital.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, and the Oklahoma City Police Department said it will soon hand over the findings of its investigation to the District Attorney’s Office.
