Tragedy in Pocatello: 17-Year-Old with Autism and Cerebral Palsy Dies After Police Shooting
The officials have reaported a devastating incident in Pocatello, Idaho, that claimed the life of 17-year-old Victor Perez, a teenager with autism and cerebral palsy. According to his family, Victor was shot nine times by police officers responding to a domestic disturbance on April 5. The teen was placed in a medically induced coma and connected to life-support machines but succumbed to his injuries after his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support.
According to WCPO 9’s, the shooting occurred when police responded to a call and arrived at Victor’s home, where they found him holding a knife. Despite attempts by family members to calmly engage with him, officers opened fire within 12 seconds of arriving on the scene. Witnesses described the scene as resembling a “firing squad”.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning why the situation escalated so quickly. The community is demanding justice for Victor and his family, with a petition calling for the involved officers to be fired and charged with attempted manslaughter.
Pocatello’s Mayor, Brian Blad, has expressed condolences to the family, stating that the city will follow the recommendations of the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force once its investigation is complete. The four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave per city policy.
As the community mourns the loss of Victor Perez, authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation’s findings are expected to shed light on the actions of the officers involved and potentially lead to changes in police procedures for interacting with individuals with disabilities.
