Idaho officials announced they won’t charge four Pocatello police officers who shot and killed Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy. Attorney General Raúl Labrador stated that they lacked sufficient evidence to prove the use of deadly force was unjustified.
Victor’s tragic encounter began during a family BBQ when he picked up a knife. As his sister attempted to intervene, a neighbor called the police. When officers arrived, they were informed of a man waving a knife and potentially threatening others. Within 16 seconds, they fired nine shots at Victor, despite him having a developmental disability.
In a released body-camera video, one officer can be heard repeatedly shouting “drop the knife” before gunfire erupted. According to the attorney general’s office, the officers were not aware of Victor’s age or disabilities; they were only provided information about an intoxicated male posing a threat.
A use-of-force expert consulted by the office concluded that any reasonable officer would have perceived Victor as an immediate danger. However, experts in mental health and police procedures express concern about the need for better training in handling mental crises. According to a recent study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 4 people shot by police have a mental health condition, highlighting a critical gap in police training.
While the attorney general described the incident as a tragedy, he noted that under Idaho law, officers are not required to retreat from a situation before using deadly force. This raises questions about the balance between officer safety and the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The rapid fallout from this incident has sparked strong reactions online, with many advocating for policy changes in how law enforcement handles calls involving individuals with mental health issues. As awareness grows, communities are pushing for reforms that prioritize de-escalation techniques and mental health crisis intervention.
In Victor’s case, family members chose not to comment, but their heartbreak is palpable. The debate surrounding police use of deadly force, particularly involving vulnerable populations, continues to be a pressing issue.
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