Tragic Incident: Idaho Police Shooting Claims Life of Intellectually Disabled Teen After Life Support is Withdrawn

Tragic Shooting of Autistic Teen Raises Alarm in Idaho

In Idaho, a heartbreaking incident has left a family shattered. Victor Perez, a 17-year-old boy with autism and cerebral palsy, was shot by police while holding a kitchen knife. This tragic event happened in Pocatello and has sparked outrage among the community and raised serious questions about how law enforcement handled the situation.

Victor had been in a coma since the shooting on April 5. His aunt, Ana Vazquez, shared that he had no brain activity before his family made the difficult decision to take him off life support. After undergoing several surgeries, including the removal of nine bullets and the amputation of one leg, he sadly passed away.

On the day of the shooting, police responded to a 911 call about someone with a knife. However, they didn’t realize it was Victor they were dealing with. Due to his disabilities, he walked with a staggered gait, which might have led to confusion. His family had been trying to help him drop the knife when the police arrived.

Witnesses reported that Victor was on the ground, and within just 12 seconds of exiting their vehicles, officers opened fire without trying to de-escalate the situation. This response has raised serious concerns about police training and tactics, especially when it comes to individuals with disabilities.

Ana Vazquez expressed her frustration, saying the officers didn’t take the time to understand what was happening. Many community members felt the same way. After the news of Victor’s passing, a vigil was held for him outside the hospital where he was treated, showing just how much he was loved and supported by those around him.

The police involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation is underway. Bannock County Prosecutor Ian Johnson stated that a report will be made available after the investigation, with oversight from an external agency to keep the process fair and transparent.

This case isn’t isolated. A 2020 report by the National Disability Rights Network found that individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of encountering law enforcement. It’s essential for police to receive proper training to handle situations involving people with mental or physical disabilities. According to expert opinions from disability advocates, understanding a person’s behavior is crucial to avoiding tragic outcomes.

The shooting has ignited a conversation on social media, trending under hashtags like #JusticeForVictor and #EndPoliceViolence. Users emphasize the need for better training in recognizing mental and physical disabilities. Many are calling for justice, demanding accountability from law enforcement.

Mayor Brian Blad acknowledged the pain this incident has caused the community. He stated that the city is taking the matter very seriously and is committed to a thorough investigation of the events surrounding Victor’s shooting.

As the community mourns Victor, this incident highlights a critical need for change in how police interact with those who have disabilities. The conversation must continue to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again.

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