By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager, was critically injured after being shot nine times by Pocatello Police officers responding to a disturbance call. Police reported Perez, who was on the ground and allegedly wielding a knife, was shot after standing up. Witnesses dispute the level of threat, suggesting police could have de-escalated the situation, and Perez’s family emphasizes his autism and behavioral challenges. The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is investigating the incident, and Pocatello Police have declined comment pending the investigation’s conclusion.
Read the original article here
Pocatello Police shot 17-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager, nine times while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The incident occurred on Saturday at 5:25 p.m. The police press release stated the call reported a boy, later identified as Perez, lying on the ground, intoxicated and in possession of a knife. This description, however, fails to capture the full context of the situation, as reported by Perez’s family and neighbors.
The shooting transpired shortly after officers arrived on the scene. According to Perez’s family, officers shot him nine times as he stood up from the ground. The severity of the injuries sustained is truly heartbreaking; Perez’s leg had to be amputated, and he remains in critical condition at Portneuf Medical Center. This level of force, used against a reportedly intoxicated and possibly impaired individual, raises serious concerns about the training and response protocols of the Pocatello Police Department.
Neighbors who called the police stated their intention was to de-escalate the situation. This underscores a widespread misunderstanding: police are not reliably trained in de-escalation techniques, and often receive training that emphasizes a “warrior” mentality, treating every situation as potentially life-threatening. This approach frequently leads to excessive force, particularly in situations involving individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities. The lack of emphasis on de-escalation tactics in police training appears to have directly contributed to the tragic outcome in this case.
The fact that Perez was autistic and reportedly had past behavioral incidents due to his condition further complicates the situation. His aunt stated that he “was not going after police” and that his physical impairment meant he could “barely walk.” This suggests that the threat posed by Perez was minimal, and that a less lethal approach could and should have been employed. The disproportionate use of force highlights a critical need for improved training for law enforcement personnel in handling individuals with disabilities and mental health issues. The sheer number of shots fired—nine—points to a severe lack of judgment and restraint on the part of the officers involved.
The incident raises significant questions about the role of police in responding to domestic disturbances, especially those involving individuals with disabilities or mental health concerns. The initial call was meant to de-escalate a tense situation, yet the outcome resulted in far greater harm. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that calling the police does not guarantee a safe or positive outcome, especially in situations requiring nuanced approaches to de-escalation. In fact, in cases like this, calling the police may have exacerbated the situation, ultimately leading to a horrifically avoidable outcome. The family, neighbors, and the community at large are left to grapple with the consequences of an action intended to bring help, which instead resulted in catastrophic injury.
The response to this event has rightly evoked strong emotions, ranging from outrage to despair. Some question the officers’ actions, pointing to their failure to de-escalate the situation and employ less-lethal methods. Others criticize the family and neighbors for calling the police in the first place, arguing that doing so in situations involving vulnerable individuals can be inherently risky. Many express concerns about the lack of mental health support and resources available for individuals in crisis, and the lack of effective de-escalation training within law enforcement.
The incident is a wake-up call, forcing reflection on the systemic issues that contribute to such tragic outcomes. It highlights the urgent need for improved police training, particularly in de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention, alongside increased access to mental health services and crisis response teams trained to handle such situations. The focus should shift from a “warrior” mentality to one of care, understanding, and de-escalation, ensuring the safety of all involved, especially vulnerable individuals. The question isn’t just whether the officers acted appropriately, but whether the system itself failed Victor Perez from the moment the call was made. The community’s reaction, though filled with anger and grief, will hopefully prompt meaningful changes to prevent future tragedies. The loss of a young life and the profound impact on his family, friends, and the Pocatello community demand a thorough investigation and substantial reform within the system.