Pocatello Authorizes $4.5 Million Police-Shooting Settlement

Pocatello’s City Council voted to authorize the use of reserve funds and documents needed to finalize a $4.5 million settlement with the family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy who was fatally shot by police in April 2025. Officers responded to a reported disturbance and fired at Perez, who was holding a knife; the encounter lasted less than 20 seconds. Perez suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died after doctors determined he was brain-dead. Under the agreement, his grandfather is set to receive 60% of the settlement, while his mother and sister will each receive 20%, before fees and costs. The settlement does not necessarily acknowledge wrongdoing by the city or officers, who were cleared of criminal charges.