Autistic Idaho Teen Dies After Police Shooting Sparks Investigations

Victor Perez, 17, was removed from life support following a police shooting that has prompted calls for accountability and reviews of officer conduct.

Victor Perez, an autistic teen with cerebral palsy, was shot nine times by Pocatello police on April 5, 2025, and declared brain-dead before being removed from life support on April 12.
Police responded to a 911 call about a knife-wielding individual, opening fire within 12 seconds of arriving at the scene without apparent de-escalation efforts, according to video evidence and witness accounts.
Family members dispute claims that Perez posed a threat, stating he was in a mental health crisis and struggling to stand due to his disabilities when officers fired through a chain-link fence.
The incident has led to ongoing criminal, internal, and external investigations, with the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force conducting an independent review of the officers' actions.
Community protests and vigils have drawn attention to the need for improved police training in handling individuals with developmental disabilities, as family and advocates demand justice and reforms.

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