Idaho Police Shoot Teen with Autism 9 Times, Leading to Leg Amputation

Incident Overview

• 📌 A 17-year-old named Victor Perez was reportedly shot nine times by police in Pocatello, Idaho.
• ⚠️ Perez has been diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
• 🏥 He is in critical condition and had his leg amputated following the incident, according to a GoFundMe page.

Witness Accounts and Circumstances

• 🔪 Witnesses state that Perez appeared intoxicated and was holding a knife when officers approached him.
• 📹 Video footage of the altercation was captured by a bystander.

Community Response and Demands

• ✊ Community members gathered to call for justice and demand de-escalation training for police.
• 🗣️ They emphasized the need for officers to be trained in mental health awareness and to use methods other than immediate force.

Police Department's Perspective

• ⏱️ The Pocatello police chief stated that officers must make split-second decisions to assess immediate threats to themselves and others.
• 👥 In this case, two individuals were reportedly near an armed, non-compliant person, creating an immediate risk.
• 🔍 Investigations into the shooting are being conducted by an independent task force and internally.