Cop Talk LIVE: Police Shoot Autistic Teen with Knife, LIVE Audience Q&A Debate
The story of an autistic teenager’s critical injuries after a police shooting sparks debate and protests. Explore how mental health episodes are expected to be handled in emergency responses by police from the public’s misguided point of view.
An autistic 17-year-old male in Pocatello, Idaho, remains in critical condition after being shot nine times by police during a reported domestic disturbance. The incident, described by public protestors as a mental health crisis when really it was a physical domestic disturbance with a weapon, resulted in the teenager losing his leg to amputation.
What Happened?
Police responded to a call regarding a reported disturbance involving an intoxicated male with a knife and a female, believed to be the 17 year old’s mother. Witness accounts and video footage reveal the teen rolling on the ground outside as police arrived, allegedly brandishing a knife (video footage shows the 17 year old to have a knife in his hand and thrust it towards a female on scene).
Despite pleas for de-escalation from after the fact public protestors, officers quickly drew their weapons and opened fire after the boy stood up, disobeying their orders. The boy’s family and neighbors claim the situation could have been handled differently, noting the teen’s impaired abilities and non-threatening movements. They do not claim any personal accountability or attempt to prevent the 17 year old from allegedly attacking them in the first place, which resulted in police having to use force.
Community Outrage
The shooting has spurred protests outside the Pocatello Police Department. Protesters accuse the police of excessive force, citing the boy’s mental health struggles and physical disability. “He wasn’t chasing anybody. He could barely walk,” said a neighbor. Protest signs reading phrases like, “Why were your guns drawn?” reflected the community’s anger and concern.
Response from Authorities
The police department has asked for public patience as the incident is under investigation by a critical incident task force. Officers state that life-saving measures were performed immediately after the shooting.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights broader issues about how law enforcement handles mental health crises, especially concerning vulnerable populations like autistic individuals. Critics argue that police officers require better training in de-escalation and in understanding individuals with disabilities. The public also faces scrutiny by protesting in outrage without ever truly understanding police tactics or use of force applications, leading to division among the public and police.
How Can We Prevent This?
Experts and advocates suggest that incorporating mental health professionals into response teams or providing specialized training for officers could reduce such tragedies. Community engagement and accountability from law enforcement agencies are also key steps forward. I 100% disagree with this as the issue becomes convoluted for police action during high stress, intense and violent calls for service, which officers do not have the luxury of using public safety as an excuse to take the time to access and apply public perception tactics of delusion.
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