A 17-year-old Idaho teenager with autism and cerebral palsy, named Victor Perez, was shot nine times by police during a family barbecue in Pocatello. The police arrived after a neighbor called for help, not knowing that Perez was having a mental health crisis. The shooting, captured on video, has sparked protests in the city. Perez’s aunt, Ana Vazquez, criticized the police for not taking more time to assess the situation before firing their weapons, saying they ignored pleas from the family to not shoot. The mayor and police chief have stated that a thorough investigation is underway, and the four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The officers claim that Perez was armed with a knife and was advancing toward them when they fired. However, Vazquez says that the family was trying to get the knife away from him and that Perez was not threatening anyone. The family, originally from Puerto Rico, is devastated by the incident and is hopeful for Perez’s recovery. They have expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the Idaho community. The incident has raised concerns about police use of force in situations involving individuals with mental health issues.
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