BOISE, Idaho — The City of Pocatello on Thursday released the police bodycam video leading up to the shooting of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy.
Initial 911 call placed on April 5, depicting a man whom the caller believed to be intoxicated and antagonizing several others in the backyard. It then shows surveillance video from a nearby building and bodycam video of two officers.
The family said his mom was also there, trying to split them up.
This goes on for several minutes until eventually, police arrive at the scene and start yelling at Perez to drop the knife. Within seconds, they fired their guns.
Victor was shot by police nine times. Doctors amputated his leg as a lifesaving measure.
Nearly a week after the incident, Perez was pronounced brain-dead by his medical team on April 11. Perez was removed from life support by his family on April 12.
The family claims Perez, who was non-verbal and did not understand English, was unable to comprehend police commands before officers opened fire.
As video of the incident circulated on social media, the teen’s family and community raised concerns regarding police training, use of force protocols and awareness of developmental disabilities.
The incident happened on the evening of the 5th, when police responded to the 911 call. Family members strongly dispute Perez’s characterization, saying the situation was misunderstood and escalated unnecessarily.
Perez’s family held a funeral service at the Cornelison Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Pocatello on April 15, and a candlelight vigil was held at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
California law firm on Wednesday notified the City of Pocatello of its intention to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of Victor Perez. They plan to name the city, police chief and the four officers when they file the lawsuit in federal court.
The names of the officers have not been released, but the city confirmed they have been placed on administrative leave.
The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force in investigating. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office will review the findings.