A 17-year-old autistic teen is allegedly fighting for his life after being shot nine times by police officers in Pocatello, Idaho. The incident reportedly occurred on April 7, 2025, when police responded to a call about a disturbance at the teen’s home. The teenager, who sustained critical injuries, including the amputation of one of his legs, is in critical condition at the hospital. The incident has sparked protests and demands for accountability and justice from the local community.
The Incident: Police Respond to a Disturbance
Pocatello Police officers were reportedly dispatched to a call at approximately 5:25 p.m. regarding a physical disturbance involving two males and a female. Police reports indicated that one of the males, the 17-year-old teen, was intoxicated and armed with a knife. The teen was said to be waving the knife at a woman, believed to be his mother.
Upon arrival, officers drew their weapons and ordered the teen to drop the knife. Eyewitness video later appeared to show the teen on the ground with what appeared to be a knife in his hand. After the teen allegedly stood up, officers opened fire, shooting him multiple times.
Family’s Accounts and Community Reactions
Family members of the teen, along with community members, have expressed shock at the violent escalation of the incident. Relatives, including his aunt, have stated that the teen, who suffers from autism and physical impairments, was not a danger to anyone and did not pose a threat. “He wasn’t chasing anybody, and everybody could easily get out of the reach of his knife,” said a local neighbor, Brad Andres.
In response to the shooting, protesters gathered outside the Pocatello Police Department, demanding justice for the teen and questioning the police’s use of deadly force in the situation. “They were called to help with a minor having a mental health episode… and they put him on death’s door,” said Dylan Harrison, a protestor.
Police Investigation and Public Outcry
The Pocatello Police Department has requested patience from the public while the incident is being investigated. The department has called for a critical incident task force to conduct a thorough review of the events leading up to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities promising to release additional details as they become available.
Despite the ongoing inquiry, community members continue to voice their anger, emphasizing the need for better training for law enforcement officers when handling mental health crises and individuals with disabilities.
The Need for Police Reform and Accountability
The tragic incident has intensified the conversation about police reform, especially regarding the use of force in situations involving individuals with autism or other disabilities. Activists and legal experts have called for more rigorous de-escalation tactics, better training for officers to handle mental health crises, and greater accountability in police departments nationwide.
Contact Police Brutality Center for Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know has been affected by police use-of-force incidents, particularly those involving mental health crises or disabilities, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Police Brutality Center connects individuals with experienced civil rights lawyers who specialize in cases of police brutality. Our partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have been harmed by law enforcement.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice.
