A teenage boy with autism and intellectual disabilities was critically injured after Idaho police officers opened fire seconds after arriving at a scene, according to witness video footage. The incident unfolded in Pocatello, where officers confronted 17-year-old Victor Perez, who was holding a knife. Perez, who his family describes as nonverbal and autistic, remained hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing surgery to remove nine bullets and amputate his leg.
The shooting sparked outrage among Perez’s family members, neighbors, and online viewers, who questioned the rapid response of the officers. The video captured by a nearby business owner showed the officers firing roughly 12 seconds after stepping out of their patrol cars, with no visible attempt to de-escalate the situation. Criticism was leveled at the police for their swift use of lethal force without first seeking to understand the circumstances.
Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei acknowledged the public’s concern and the circulating video, emphasizing that it only depicted one view of the incident. He stressed the need for a comprehensive examination of all facts and evidence to understand the full context. The video, captured by Brad Andres, showed Perez chasing a man and woman in a yard with a knife, reportedly while intoxicated, before the police arrived.
The 911 call described Perez as appearing drunk, wielding a kitchen knife, and chasing the individuals. However, the caller also noted communication difficulties as the parties involved did not speak English. Upon arrival, police ordered Perez to drop the knife. When he advanced toward them, officers opened fire.
Andres expressed distress over witnessing the event, describing the police response as excessive and noting that his son called 911 with the intent to help, unaware of the subsequent outcome. Chief Schei mentioned an ongoing investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and refrained from answering further questions during this phase.
Perez’s family clarified that his unsteady gait was due to his disabilities, not intoxication. Despite his sister’s pleas to the police, identifying him as “special,” it remains uncertain whether the officers heard her. This event marked Perez’s first encounter with law enforcement, and his family had never previously sought police intervention.
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Efforts are underway nationally to enhance police training on interacting with individuals who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. Such training aims to better equip officers to handle situations involving people on the autism spectrum, who may respond adversely to stressors like noise or physical contact, potentially being misinterpreted as noncompliance.
The Human Angle
The situation underscores the broader societal need to foster understanding and support for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and safety in public and private spaces.
This incident highlights the urgency for police departments to improve training on handling encounters involving individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities to prevent tragic outcomes.
Families of people with autism may feel increased anxiety about interacting with law enforcement, prompting calls for clearer communication and identification strategies, such as the use of autism awareness stickers or license plates.
The community’s trust in law enforcement may be affected, with a heightened demand for transparency and accountability in officer-involved incidents.
This case could influence policy changes or reforms regarding police protocols and de-escalation tactics nationwide, especially concerning interactions with vulnerable populations.
