A 17-year-old autistic teen is fighting for his life after being shot nine times by police in Pocatello, Idaho, in a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage and protests within the local community.
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon when police were called to a disturbance at the boy’s family home around 5:25 p.m.
Officers had been notified of a physical altercation involving two males, one intoxicated and reportedly holding a knife, and a female.
The teen, whose identity has not been released, was seen rolling on the ground with a knife in a video taken by eyewitnesses, before rising to his feet as officers arrived on the scene. Despite efforts to de-escalate, officers opened fire, hitting the boy multiple times.
Neighbors expressed shock, with one identifying the boy’s mental health struggles, stating that he had a difficult day and was not posing a serious threat to anyone.
“He wasn’t chasing anyone, and people could have easily avoided him,” said Brad Andres, a nearby resident. According to the boy’s aunt, the teenager has a significant impairment and struggles to walk.
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Following the shooting, the boy’s injuries were so severe that doctors had to amputate his leg. He remains in critical condition in a local hospital.
Authorities performed life-saving measures at the scene, but the emotional impact on the community has been deep.
The incident has sparked widespread protests outside the Pocatello Police Department, with residents demanding justice. “They were called to help a minor with a mental health episode, and they almost killed him,” said one protester, Dylan Harrison.
The police department has called for patience as an investigation into the shooting unfolds, but many remain angry and skeptical of the officers’ actions.
This tragic event has brought attention to the delicate handling of individuals with mental health issues, and the community is left questioning the response of law enforcement.
