Victor Perez, a 17-year-old nonverbal boy with autism and cerebral palsy, died on Saturday after being taken off life support following a shooting by police in Pocatello, Idaho, on April 5. Perez, who was not intoxicated, was shot multiple times while holding a knife during a police response to a 911 call about a man with a knife allegedly chasing someone. Witnesses and family members criticized the police for their lack of attempt to de-escalate the situation, noting that Perez was not a threat and unable to walk well. Four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation by the Idaho Critical Incident Team, which will determine if charges are warranted. The incident has sparked community outrage, leading to planned protests outside the hospital where Perez was treated. Pocatello’s mayor expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the distress caused by the shooting.
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