- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
By Sumesh Rajan | April 15, 2025
The shooting occurred on April 5, 2025, at approximately 5:22 PM, after Pocatello police responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife chasing people in a backyard. The individual turned out to be Victor, who was reportedly stumbling due to his physical disabilities and carrying a large kitchen knife. According to video evidence and eyewitness accounts, a chain-link fence separated Victor from the officers, who nevertheless opened fire within seconds of arriving, without any apparent attempt to de-escalate the situation.
Victim Was Nonverbal and Physically Impaired
Perez’s family revealed that he was nonverbal, lived with cerebral palsy, and had difficulty walking. His aunt, Ana Vazquez, stated that family members were trying to disarm him before police arrived. In a neighbour’s video, Victor can be seen lying on the ground as four officers approach. Despite his limited mobility and inability to comprehend commands, he was ordered to drop the knife. As he slowly attempted to stand and stumbled toward the fence, officers fired multiple rounds, hitting him nine times.
He was transported in critical condition to Portneuf Medical Center, where nine bullets were removed, and one leg was amputated in a desperate bid to save his life. Victor remained unresponsive and in a coma until he was taken off life support on April 12.
Community in Mourning, Protests Erupt
The shooting has sparked outrage across the Pocatello community. Hundreds gathered in peaceful protest near the Pocatello Police Department and held vigils outside the hospital in support of the Perez family.
“This is a grassroots movement,” said local activist Sunny Nelson, who led chants during a rally. “People are angry, and they want justice.”
Among the attendees was Serenity Jones Perry, who has two autistic nephews. She said, “If that happened to one of my family members, I’d be torn apart. I had to show up for Victor’s family.”
Official Response and Investigation Underway
All four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is leading an external investigation, and a report will be reviewed by an agency outside Bannock County, according to Prosecutor Ian Johnson.
Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad issued a statement shortly before Victor’s death: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Perez family. We recognize the pain and grief this incident has caused in our community.”
911 Call and Police Defense
The Pocatello Police Department released the original 911 call audio and stated that the caller described a man “who seemed drunk and was chasing people with a knife.” A woman at the scene was seen trying to disarm Victor using a stick before police arrived.
Police Chief Roger Schei defended the officers' actions during a press conference on April 7, saying the teen posed a threat: “Officers must make decisions in seconds. The risk was immediate. Two people were within feet of an armed individual who failed to comply with repeated commands.”
However, advocates and family members questioned why non-lethal options such as tasers or beanbag rounds weren’t employed, especially given the presence of a barrier and Victor’s disabilities.
A Call for Accountability
As the community awaits results from the independent investigation, civil rights organizations, disability rights advocates, and mental health professionals have demanded accountability and police reform, particularly in how law enforcement interacts with individuals with disabilities.
The tragedy has become a flashpoint in the national debate surrounding use of force, disability awareness, and law enforcement protocols in the U.S.
Victor Perez is survived by his grieving family and a community left demanding justice and change.
Comments
Post a Comment