“It’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this,” – City of Pocatello releases video related to fatal Police shooting
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Mayor Brian Blad provided updates on the police shooting that led to the death of 17-year-old Victor Perez of Pocatello for the first time since the teen was taken off life support.
As part of the Mayor's update, the City of Pocatello released the video timeline, 911 call, transcript of 911 call, dispatch, audio, and nearby surveillance camera video related to the incident. The information will be on the city website and social media pages.
"There are still many questions that we cannot answer because the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and others are completing their investigations, and there will be and there is now pending litigation," said Mayor Blad.
The move comes after a prominent California-based civil rights firm, known for representing Rodney King in his case against Los Angeles Police officers, filed a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim against the city on behalf of the family of Victor Perez. For more information, click HERE.
Mayor Blad reiterated that some questions cannot be answered at this time due to the ongoing investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and the pending litigation against the city.
Pocatello's Police Chief Roger Schei also spoke. He said he recognizes how deeply the event has impacted the city, community, state, and nation.
"I can only imagine the people that witnessed this event, what they may be going through. And how difficult it may be for them," said Schei. "My thoughts are with them."
Blad expressed his hope that the city would be able to move forward.
"I recognize it's going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this," said Blad. "If we ever really, truly heal from this. But it is also my belief that as we work together, we will indeed build a stronger Pocatello."
The Pocatello City Council meeting was packed with people wanting to be heard regarding the Victor Perez shooting, and Mayor Blad wanted to make sure everyone had that opportunity.
Those who stood to speak didn't hold back.
"Full stop. Victor did not pose a credible threat to the police. The police are wholly responsible for the escalation of the situation, and the blame is on their shoulders for each of the rounds fired at Victor, the failure, the failure of all four police officers to rationally assess the situation and not just roll in with weapons drawn. Demonstrates to me and all members of this community that this inch, that this issue is endemic across the department," a Idaho State University student said.
"I am proposing that we follow in places like Utah and Boise that allow for the police department to work with other mental health organizations to help train officers about mental disabilities and more de escalation tactics other than just drawing a gun and shooting," another person said.
