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 for his actions at the scene of a car accident.
Police say the officer used force on an elderly driver, leaving the man seriously injured.
This started with the officer giving the man, Lich Vu, a ticket for causing a minor crash, but ended with Vu in handcuffs and unconscious.
Oklahoma City police released body cam footage Friday, more than a week after an encounter between an officer and elderly man turned tense.
The officer 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, there appears to be a language barrier. The officer later tells Vu that if he doesn’t sign the ticket, he will be taken to jail.
Moments later, he speaks with Vu again about what he did wrong. Vu and a woman he was with argued that the other driver is at fault.
In that moment, Vu appears to hit the officer’s chest lightly and tells the officer to ‘shut up.’
The officer then grabs Vu and forcefully takes him to the ground. Vu 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.”
Vu later regained consciousness and was treated for his injuries at a local hospital.
Oklahoma City police said Friday, they’re dedicated to transparency and accountability.
As for the officer, he’s still on administrative leave. The department says it will soon hand over the findings of its investigation to the District Attorney’s Office.