Pocatello, Idaho – The heartbreaking death of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old boy with autism and cerebral palsy, has sparked outrage and sorrow within the Pocatello community. Perez, who was nonverbal, was tragically shot by Idaho police on April 5th from the other side of a chain-link fence while holding a knife. After fighting for his life in a coma for days, he was removed from life support on a Saturday. This devastating loss has left Perez’s family and loved ones shattered.
The events leading up to Perez’s shooting unfolded when police responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife chasing someone in a yard in Pocatello. In a tragic turn of events, it was Perez himself, who due to his disabilities, struggled to walk steadily. Despite efforts by family members to intervene and disarm him, the situation quickly escalated upon police arrival.
Video footage captured by a neighbor revealed the swift and fatal encounter between Perez and the officers. Within seconds of their arrival, the officers engaged in gunfire, failing to attempt de-escalation tactics. This rapid escalation has left many questioning the officers’ handling of the situation and igniting calls for justice.
Following Perez’s death, an outpouring of grief and anger swept through Pocatello, with hundreds attending a vigil in his honor. Protesters gathered outside the hospital where Perez was treated and at City Hall, demanding accountability and systemic change. Amidst the community’s anguish, questions loom over the actions of the officers involved and the need for a transparent investigation.
The Mayor of Pocatello, Brian Blad, expressed condolences to Perez’s family, acknowledging the pain and grief felt throughout the city. While investigations are underway, many await answers and accountability in the wake of this tragic incident. Perez’s family continues to mourn the loss of a young man who brought joy and love to those around him, leaving a void that cannot be filled. As the community seeks justice for Victor, the road to healing and understanding remains long and uncertain.
