Idaho Teen with Autism Shot by Police, Family Demands Accountability

Incident Overview

• 💔 A nonverbal 17-year-old with autism, Victor Perez, was taken off life support after being shot by Pocatello, Idaho police officers.
• 🚨 Police responded to reports of an intoxicated man with a knife chasing someone.

The Confrontation

• 📱 Cell phone video shows officers opening fire on Perez, who was behind a fence in his grandfather's backyard holding a knife.
• 🤕 Perez had fallen after being hit in the head with a log but attempted to stab others while on the ground.
• 🚶‍♂️ Perez stood up and moved towards officers; his cerebral palsy affected his gait.

Family's Perspective and Demands

• 💬 Perez's aunt, A Vasquez, stated police made no attempt to deescalate and shot her nephew nine times.
• 🏥 Doctors performed multiple surgeries, but Perez was declared brain dead.
• ⚖️ The family is demanding more accountability from law enforcement.
• ⚠️ Vasquez urged caution with children who have autism, suggesting not all officers know how to handle individuals in a mental crisis.

Police Response and Investigation

• ❓ There is no indication that the responding officers were aware of Perez's autism or condition.
• 🚫 The officers' names have not been released, and they are currently on paid administrative leave.