BOISE, ID – The Idaho Attorney General’s Office will carry out a prosecutorial review of a police shooting that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old autistic teen in Pocatello earlier this month. The move comes after a formal request by the Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney.
The shooting occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and has since sparked widespread concern and scrutiny, particularly from disability rights advocates and community members. According to officials, the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force (EICITF) is leading the independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Attorney General Raúl Labrador says his office would begin its review once the task force has completed its work. “As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review,” Labrador said. “Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.”
The teen, Victor Perez, was reportedly nonverbal and lived with both autism and cerebral palsy. Police were responding to a 911 call involving a disturbance when they encountered Perez holding a kitchen knife. Body camera footage, which has not yet been released publicly but has been described by those who have seen it, shows officers shouting commands for Perez to drop the weapon. Within seconds, multiple officers fired their weapons after the teen allegedly moved toward them.
Perez was critically wounded and later died after being removed from life support.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.
Community members have held vigils and demonstrations in Pocatello, demanding transparency and accountability. Advocates for disability rights are urging police departments across the state to implement more comprehensive training in handling mental health and developmental disorders.
Once the investigation is complete, the Attorney General’s Office will assess whether criminal charges are warranted based on Idaho law.
