Idaho police have released recordings from body-worn and security cameras regarding the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Victor Perez, who was autistic, nonverbal, and had cerebral palsy. Perez was shot after a 911 call reported a conflict involving him and a knife in his family’s fenced yard on April 5. When officers arrived, Perez was on the ground but got up and approached them with the knife, leading three officers to use their firearms and a fourth to fire a bean bag shotgun. Perez, who had collapsed, was later taken off life support after a week in the hospital. His family is planning to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Pocatello.
Critics argue that the officers did not attempt to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force, especially given that a fence separated them from Perez. Community outrage followed the shooting, with about 200 people attending a vigil at the hospital where he died, followed by protests at City Hall. Despite police stating that de-escalation isn’t always possible, experts have suggested that the officers could have utilized safer tactics, such as backing away to create distance. A witness expressed frustration over the police’s approach, emphasizing the lack of inquiry into the situation and the rushed decision to use deadly force against someone with mental disabilities.
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