Idaho Police Shooting of Autistic Teen Spurs Protests and Investigation

A 17-year-old autistic boy remains in critical condition after being shot nine times by police during a reported disturbance, raising questions about the handling of mental health crises.

The shooting occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025, when Pocatello police responded to a reported domestic disturbance involving a knife at the teen's family home.
Eyewitness video shows the teen rolling on the ground with a knife before officers arrived, shouted commands, and opened fire within seconds of engaging him.
The teen, who has severe injuries including a leg amputation, remains hospitalized in critical condition at Portneuf Medical Center.
Community protests have erupted outside the Pocatello Police Department, with demonstrators demanding accountability and raising concerns about police use of force in mental health crises.
The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is conducting an investigation, with authorities urging public patience as they examine the incident.