A 17-year-old nonverbal boy with autism and cerebral palsy, named Victor Perez, tragically passed away on Saturday after being shot multiple times by Idaho police while holding a knife on the other side of a chain-link fence. Victor had been in a coma since the incident on April 5, and his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support after tests showed no brain activity.
The police had responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife chasing someone in a yard, but it was actually Victor, who was not intoxicated but had disabilities affecting his movements. Despite his family’s efforts to intervene and a neighbor’s video showing Victor on the ground, the officers quickly opened fire without attempting to de-escalate the situation.
The tragic event sparked outrage among Pocatello residents, with hundreds attending a vigil outside the hospital where Victor was treated. Protesters gathered outside the Pocatello City Hall and police department, demanding justice for Victor and holding signs urging the police to do better.
Victor’s family expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their loved one, emphasizing the pain and emptiness they now feel. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Team to determine if charges should be filed.
Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad offered condolences to the family and community, promising a thorough and unbiased review of the incident by an external agency to ensure transparency and accountability.
Blad expressed sympathy for the pain and sorrow caused by the incident in the community. A protester displayed a sign reading “Bloody hands, dirt cowards.” Blad stated that the city is handling the situation with the necessary seriousness and respect for its gravity. Investigations into the officer-involved shooting are ongoing, and questions cannot be answered to avoid interfering with the process.
Vasquez shared that Perez enjoyed watching professional wrestling, eating fries, and going for walks while holding his mother’s hand. She fondly recalled how he would notice her painted nails in his favorite color, blue, and show his admiration for her. Vasquez reminisced about his quirky moods and bedtime routines, expressing her sadness at his absence.
Vasquez mentioned that the family is awaiting the autopsy results scheduled for Monday and emphasized the importance of taking a moment to rest at this difficult time.
