A law firm from California has informed Pocatello, Idaho, of its intention to pursue a federal wrongful death lawsuit involving the family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with intellectual disabilities, who was fatally shot by four police officers. Perez, described by relatives as nonverbal and autistic, was holding a kitchen knife within a fenced yard on April 5 when a neighbor alerted the authorities. Upon their arrival, the officers, three armed with handguns and one with a shotgun, instructed Perez to relinquish the knife. When he attempted to stand, the officers opened fire.
Perez endured multiple surgeries, during which nine bullets were extracted, and his leg was amputated. Subsequent tests indicated a lack of brain activity, leading to the removal of life support on Saturday. The family’s attorney insists that the shooting was unjustifiable, noting Perez posed no threat. The administrative claim, filed by the family members Luis Alicea, Wanda Alicea, Monica Perez, and Ana Vazquez, accuses the officers of excessive force and describes the emotional trauma endured by the family due to the incident.
The city and police are under scrutiny, as the family plans to include them along with the officers in the lawsuit. Pocatello City Clerk Konni Kendell and Police Chief Roger Schei have not commented, and the officers involved remain unnamed but are on administrative leave. The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce, led by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting an independent investigation. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador will review the findings to decide on potential charges, emphasizing a thorough and impartial review of the situation.
The Bottom Line
This case highlights significant concerns about police conduct, particularly when dealing with individuals with intellectual disabilities. For the Pocatello community and beyond, this incident underscores the urgent need for improved training and protocols in law enforcement to manage similar situations more effectively and humanely. The outcome of this investigation and potential lawsuit could influence changes in how police interactions with disabled individuals are handled in the future.
The emotional and psychological impact on Perez’s family cannot be overstated. The community may experience heightened anxiety and tension as they await the investigation’s outcome. The case is likely to spark discussions about police accountability and the necessary reforms to prevent such tragedies from recurring. These developments serve as a reminder of the vital role that independent investigations and legal actions play in addressing grievances and fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.