Autistic Teen Dies After Police Shooting in Idaho, Investigations Underway

Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy, was shot by Pocatello police on April 5 and removed from life support on April 12, sparking community outrage and calls for accountability.

Victor Perez, 17, was shot nine times by Pocatello police within 12 seconds of their arrival, following a 911 call reporting an armed individual.
Perez, who was holding a knife but reportedly not posing an immediate threat, was declared brain-dead on April 11 and removed from life support the following day.
The shooting, captured on video, shows officers firing from behind a chain-link fence without apparent de-escalation attempts, leading to widespread criticism.
Four officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave as criminal, internal, and external investigations proceed.
The case has intensified debates over police handling of vulnerable individuals, with community members demanding reforms and accountability for the use of lethal force.

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