An autistic and nonverbal teenage boy named Victor Perez, who also had cerebral palsy, was shot repeatedly by Idaho police on April 5, resulting in him being in a coma until his family made the decision to remove him from life support. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and having nine bullets removed as well as a leg amputated, Perez did not survive. The incident unfolded after police responded to a 911 call indicating an intoxicated man with a knife was chasing someone in a yard, later revealing the person to be Perez, who was not intoxicated but had a staggered gait due to his disabilities. Family members were trying to get a large kitchen knife away from him in the moments leading up to the tragic shooting.
Upon the arrival of four officers to handle the situation involving Perez, they immediately ordered him to drop the knife when he was lying in the yard, but instead, Perez stood and began stumbling towards them. The officers opened fire within 12 seconds of arriving, failing to de-escalate the encounter according to witness accounts. The swift actions of the officers and the lack of attempt to understand the situation upset Perez’s family and Pocatello residents, prompting vigils and protests outside the hospital where he was treated and the city hall building. The officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident, with potential charges depending on the outcome of an independent investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Team.
The shooting of Victor Perez has deeply affected his family, who was left devastated by the loss of their loved one and the actions of the police officers involved. Approximately 200 people gathered at a vigil in his honor, showing support and demanding justice for him. Protesters outside the Pocatello City Hall called for accountability and reform within the police department, holding signs and drawing attention to the incident. The family expressed their pain and emptiness after Perez’s death, with the mayor offering condolences and affirming a thorough and objective investigation into the matter. The city is working to address the situation appropriately and ensure transparency throughout the investigation process.
Victor Perez was described as a loving and observant individual who enjoyed watching professional wrestling, eating fries, and taking walks while holding his mother’s hand. His aunt recounted the moments they shared, highlighting his attention to detail and affectionate gestures towards his family members. Perez’s absence will be deeply felt in their lives, and while an autopsy is scheduled, the family is taking a moment to rest and process the tragedy they have endured. The community has come together to remember Perez’s life and call for reform in police procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The shooting of the teenager has sparked conversations about police accountability and the treatment of individuals with disabilities during law enforcement encounters, shedding light on the need for change in how such situations are handled.
