Police in Pocatello, Idaho, are being criticized by family and community members after a video shows several officers shooting a 17-year-old special needs boy, Victor Perez, brandishing a knife. Family members say the boy is autistic, suffers from Cerebral Palsy, has difficulty walking and was behind a fence when he was shot.
Relatives say that Victor was shot nine times and doctors had to amputate one of his legs.
Pocatello Police Department Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Officer-Involved Shooting in the 700 block of N. Harrison
Date: April 5, 2025
At approximately 5:22 PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 700 block of N. Harrison in reference to a reported physical disturbance involving two male subjects and a female. It was reported that one of the male subjects was intoxicated and in possession of a knife.
Officers arrived on scene at 5:25 PM. During the encounter, officers were involved in a shooting with the male subject who was armed with a knife. Immediate life-saving measures were initiated by officers on the suspect, who was subsequently transported by ambulance Portneuf Medical Center by the Pocatello Fire Department.
The suspect’s condition is not immediately known. All officers involved in the incident are reported to be uninjured. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force will be conducting the investigation into the incident. We respectfully ask for the public’s patience as the investigation unfolds. In the meantime, we advise individuals to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing.
Further details will be provided as they become available.
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