Four Pocatello police officers involved in the deadly shooting of Victor Perez, a teenager with autism, have been absolved of criminal charges.

According to ABC News 4, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador's office determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal prosecution against the officers. The decision came after a thorough investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and review by Bannock County Prosecutor Ian Johnson.

The state's attorney general issued a comprehensive 12-page letter explaining that prosecutors could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers' use of deadly force was unjustified. The incident, which occurred on April 5, 2025, began when neighbors reported what appeared to be an intoxicated man threatening others with a knife.

Family Struggle Leads to Fatal Police Encounter

Surveillance footage captured a harrowing scene where Perez's family members, including his grandfather, mother, and sister, attempted to control the situation. The family resorted to using a large tree branch to maintain distance from Perez, who was wielding a kitchen knife.

Responding officers arrived at the scene following a 911 call reporting what appeared to be an intoxicated individual armed with a knife. The situation escalated rapidly as officers encountered Perez in the backyard, separated only by a low chain-link fence.

Body camera footage documented officers repeatedly commanding Perez to drop the knife before the fatal confrontation. When Perez stood up and moved toward the officers, they responded with lethal force, firing 12 shots.

Critical Details Impact Investigation Outcome

The attorney general's office emphasized that responding officers had no prior knowledge of Perez's autism spectrum disorder. This lack of information significantly influenced their tactical approach to the situation.

The investigation revealed that officers were operating under the assumption that they were dealing with an intoxicated individual threatening others with a weapon. This perception shaped their response protocol and decision-making process.

The presence of the kitchen knife and Perez's movement toward the officers were cited as crucial factors in determining the officers' actions were within legal boundaries. These elements contributed to the official decision not to pursue criminal charges.

Law Enforcement Protocol Under Scrutiny

The case has raised questions about police procedures when dealing with individuals with developmental disabilities. The incident highlights the challenges officers face when making split-second decisions without complete information.

The investigation's findings underscore the complexity of law enforcement encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The outcome has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced training in identifying and responding to such situations.

Local advocacy groups have called for reforms in police training protocols to better prepare officers for interactions with neurodivergent individuals. These recommendations aim to prevent similar tragic outcomes in future encounters.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the high-stakes decisions that law enforcement must make in real time, particularly when responding to reports of active threats. It also raises questions about how disabilities are – or are not – considered in such encounters. Most importantly, it elevates public discussions around training, mental health, and police accountability.

Conclusion

Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism, was killed by police gunfire after he allegedly advanced toward them with a knife during a call for help in Pocatello, Idaho, on April 5, 2025. Officers said they believed they were dealing with an intoxicated individual who posed a threat. After a multi-month investigation involving county prosecutors and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, officials ruled that the use of force was justified.

Investigators confirmed the officers did not know about Perez's autism before the shooting. The ruling has sparked broader conversations about how law enforcement interacts with individuals in mental health crises and whether additional reforms are needed.