Pocatello Police Shooting of 17-Year-Old Autistic Teen Sparks Outrage: Victor Alicea Perez Critically Injured After Officers Open Fire Within Seconds of Arrival, Family and Protesters Demand Answers

A 17-year-old autistic boy is clinging to life after being shot multiple times by police responding to a domestic disturbance in Pocatello, Idaho. The shooting of Victor Alicea Perez has prompted widespread outrage, raising urgent questions about law enforcement’s use of force, especially when engaging individuals with disabilities.

A Tragic Encounter Lasting Only Seconds

According to official reports, officers with the Pocatello Police Department arrived at a home on the city’s west side on Saturday evening, responding to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance involving a teenager. Within moments of arriving, police encountered Victor Perez, who was holding a kitchen knife. Officers reportedly yelled commands at the teen and then opened fire—all within a matter of seconds.

Victor, who lives with autism and other behavioral challenges, was shot multiple times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. The brief and violent encounter was captured on an officer’s body camera, footage that has since been circulated online, sparking local protests and national attention.

“He Was Vulnerable, Not a Threat,” Says Family

Victor’s family is devastated—and angry. They say the teenager’s disabilities made him prone to fear and confusion, not violence. Family members describe Victor as a quiet, sensitive boy who was overstimulated and overwhelmed during the confrontation.

“They knew he was autistic,” said Maria Alicea, Victor’s aunt. “He didn’t run at them. He didn’t threaten anyone. He was scared. They shouted at him, and before he could even process what was happening—they shot him.”

Victor’s mother had reportedly called for help earlier in the evening, hoping police might assist with calming her son during a behavioral episode. Instead, within moments of the officers’ arrival, he was critically injured by their bullets.

Protests Mount as Questions Go Unanswered

In the days since the shooting, community outrage has escalated. Demonstrators gathered outside the Pocatello Police Department on Sunday and again on Monday, carrying signs that read, “Justice for Victor” and “Protect, Don’t Kill.”

Advocates for disability rights and police accountability are demanding answers to critical questions: Why wasn’t a taser used? Why didn’t officers attempt de-escalation? And why was lethal force used so quickly?

“We’ve seen far too many cases where individuals with disabilities end up harmed—or worse—because police aren’t trained to recognize or respond appropriately,” said Amelia Jordan, director of the Idaho Disability Rights Center. “Victor didn’t need bullets. He needed support.”

Police Remain Silent as Investigation Begins

As of Monday evening, the Pocatello Police Department has not issued a formal statement beyond confirming the shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and the Idaho State Police are leading the investigation.

Officials have not disclosed whether the officers involved had received specialized training in crisis intervention or disability response. The release of body camera footage, while offering some insight into the encounter, has only intensified the public’s frustration.

“The video shows them shouting and then shooting—barely any time to think, let alone respond,” said one protester. “How is that protecting the public?”

Victor’s Life Hangs in the Balance

At the hospital, Victor remains in critical but stable condition, according to family members. He has undergone multiple surgeries and remains under close observation in the intensive care unit. His family says he has a long road to recovery—both physical and emotional—should he survive.

“He wakes up crying,” said his mother. “He doesn’t understand what happened to him.”

A fundraising page has been launched to help cover Victor’s medical expenses, and his story is being shared widely across social media platforms with the hashtag #JusticeForVictor.

A Community Demands Change

The shooting of Victor Alicea Perez has reignited broader calls for systemic reform—not only in Pocatello but nationwide. Activists are pushing for mandatory training in de-escalation and mental health intervention for all law enforcement officers, along with community-led crisis response alternatives.

“This can’t keep happening,” said community organizer DeShawn Bell. “We need a different kind of first responder for situations like this. Someone trained to calm—not to kill.”

For now, a family waits by a hospital bed, hoping Victor will pull through. A city searches for answers. And a nation watches, wondering how many more vulnerable lives must be shattered before change finally comes.