Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The shocking and controversial Pocatello police shooting of 17-year-old Victor Perez on April 5, 2025, ignited public outrage and propelled the city into a national conversation about the use of force.

Local News 8 has created the interactive timeline above to provide more insight into how events unfolded and how the shooting has impacted the Pocatello and greater southeast Idaho communities.

To view on a large page, click HERE.

Local News 8 will continue to update and add to this timeline as more details become available and as the legal proceedings develop.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—The former owner of Downard Funeral Home, where bodies were found decomposing inside, has signed a plea deal with the Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Lance Peck tentatively agreed to a binding agreement with prosecutors on May 16, according to court records. The agreement still needs a judge’s approval.

The plea agreement states Peck will plead guilty to the felony charges of tax fraud, perjury, fraud by computer, grand theft by deception, and vital statistics fraud. He will also plead guilty to misdemeanor counts of violating the Mortician’s Code of Conduct.

The Prosecutor’s Office recommends a sentence of three years fixed and 7 years indeterminate.

A court date has been set for June 9 to discuss the agreement.

In September 2021, Pocatello police executed a search warrant on Downard Funeral Home, finding a dozen decomposing bodies, cremated remains, and nearly 50 fetuses in jars.

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Maggie Moore

UPDATE:

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) — A driver is safe after his truck, pulling a camper trailer, caught fire on the I-15 on-ramp in Roberts this morning, May 22, 2025.

Courtesy: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

The incident happened around 9:00 AM. When the Roberts Fire Department arrived on the scene, the driver, a 79-year-old man from Hamer, told authorities he had pulled over to adjust a tie-down when smoke began to billow from under the hood.

The driver had reportedly tried to open the hood, but was unable to get it open before the engine burst into flames. Robers Fire was able to quickly extinguish the fire before the trailer caught fire.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, there was external damage to the front of the trailer, and the pickup is a total loss.

ORIGINAL:

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) — A driver is safe after his truck, pulling a camper trailer, caught fire on the I-15 on-ramp in Roberts this morning. The incident happened around 9:00 AM.

The driver told authorities he had pulled over to adjust a tie-down when smoke began to billow from under the hood. The engine ignited, but fortunately, the flames were contained to the front of the truck, sparing the camper.

The scene was cleared by 10:40 AM. Local News 8 is working to gather more details.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the summer travel season officially underway, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing a crucial reminder for travelers. So far this year, TSA officers at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport have intercepted six firearms at security checkpoints, with three in April alone.

That’s nearly halfway to last year’s total of 13, which set a record for the airport.

“So we’ve seen six firearms at Idaho Falls regional so far this year, and 20 statewide,” said local TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers. “The most recent one was brought to the airport in Sun Valley yesterday, where a traveler brought a loaded firearm to the checkpoint.”

TSA officials emphasize this is not just a local issue, but a growing problem across the state.

Traveling with a Firearm: What You Need to Know

For those planning to travel by air with a firearm, understanding the correct procedure is essential:

Check it in: Firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage and must be transported as checked baggage.

Declare it: Inform the ticket agent that you are traveling with a properly packaged firearm in your suitcase.

Proper Packaging: “Make sure the magazine is removed from the firearm,” instructs Dankers. “Then what you’re going to want to do is put that in the case and then put the firearm in as well.

“If you have the ammunition you’re traveling with, put that in its original case. (Then) Put it in the case as well, that way it will all be locked up.”

Secure the Case: Dankers advises travelers to use non-TSA-compliant locks to fully secure the gun case, ensuring it cannot be pried open. “The most important thing to do is make sure that when it’s in your checked luggage, the locks are on there and you’re ready to bring it to the airport,” she added.

Sign a Declaration: You will be required to sign a declaration confirming that your firearm is properly packaged for commercial air travel. Failing to follow these procedures can result in significant fines.

“I can tell you, year over year over year, we’ve seen more and more firearms coming to the security checkpoint. We know that across the country, firearm ownership is up,” said Dankers. “TSA is not anti-firearm. But what we are is pro-know-what-the-rules-are, know what the process is.”

TSA says people also try to bring fireworks and grenades this time of year; neither is ever allowed on an aircraft. 

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Fishing season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend for several people in the Gem State.

Idaho Fish and Game says the holiday weekend is a great time for fishers and anglers to break out their gear. Its hatchery crews have been stocking almost 400,000 trout this month in Idaho’s ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Since there will likely be several fishers and anglers heading out, Idaho Fish and Game reminds everyone to be courteous and give each other plenty of room along the docks and shorelines.

A list of fishing destinations Idaho Fish and Game has restocked with trout can be found here.

If you want to get ready to fish this holiday weekend, the time to start picking up equipment and scoping out a good lake to visit is now. Supply stores and favorite fishing spots can get very busy leading up to and during the weekend. 

“You got people from multiple states popping over to like Island Park, Swan Valley, Salmon. Idaho Falls is kind of right in that junction point where they’re all coming from every single angle to get to wherever they might be,” said Fly Fish Food Shop Staff, Henry Theurer.

Theurer says you should always be careful when you go fishing, especially if you plan to be standing in the water.

“Know your water wherever you’re going out. Find out what the flows are. Find out where you’re going to be fishing at, what the terrain is like, if it’s going to be rocky, mossy, sandy,” Theurer said.

Always be careful where you step. You could accidentally fall into the water and get swept away. The currents are usually faster just below the water’s surface.

“Especially [in the] spring when runoff is kind of in the peak time and you got creeks that are blown out,” Theurer said. “You’ve got reservoirs that are pumping out water to make up for future runoff.”

The main thing is to plan ahead, whether it’s having the proper equipment, knowing what kind of terrain you’ll be dealing with, or getting out early enough to beat the big crowds.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office:

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies are participating with the Idaho Office of Highway Safety and Law Enforcement from around the state looking for seatbelt violations. Going into Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of summer, this mobilization will put extra Deputies on our roads in high traffic areas looking for and enforcing seat belt violations.

     By and large Idaho motorists are buckled up more often than not, however Deputies still see motorists getting too comfortable traveling short distances as part of their normal routine and fail to take the time to buckle up. Deputies are intervening with drivers traveling with kids that are not properly belted in a car seat or booster seat because they’re in a hurry or it’s just a short trip. The consequences of missing that important step can turn into tragedy as serious injury and fatality crashes can happen anywhere.

     Idaho has already seen more than 60 fatality crashes this year, many of which involved unrestrained occupants of vehicles that potentially could have been saved had seatbelts been used. Holiday and summer travel increases this time of year and through the next 100 plus days, which makes it even more important for everyone to utilize the safety systems in their vehicles. A simple decision to buckle up can significantly prevent serious injury or death in the event of a crash.  

     This100 day period of the year between Memorial and Labor Day does not have to be the deadliest time of year for Idaho’s fatal and serious injury crashes. Simple easy habits like buckling up, obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and driving sober can prevent life changing tragedies. Be patient and cautious wherever you go, especially around emergency vehicles, construction areas, and cross walks. Remembering the safe arrival to your destination is more important than the insignificant amount of time you may be trying to save.

For more information, click HERE.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 (PCSD 25), Rails West Credit Union, and Pocatello Thunder Baseball broke ground on brand new baseball facilities on Wednesday, May 21.

In a May 14 press release, PCSD 25 said: “The upgrades are set to transform the facilities, providing athletes with state-of-the-art amenities that reflect the community’s commitment to excellence and growth. The enhancements will not only benefit local learners but also foster a spirit of unity and pride within the sports community.”

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News Team

JACKSON, Wyo (KIFI) — Teton County residents might be in for a jarring wake-up call on Friday, May 23, 2025, as emergency sirens blare across the county during a full-system test.

Teton County Emergency Management wants to assure everyone living in the area that the drill is just a test of their system. They’re asking residents not to call dispatch.

“We want people to hear a siren and know it means, ‘Pay attention—something important is happening,” said Teton County Emergency Management Coordinator Rich Ochs. “Sirens are a critical part of our layered alert system, especially when power or cell networks are down.”

The testing drill is intended to begin at 9 AM and continue periodically throughout the day. At noon, emergency services will conduct a full system test, when all sirens will sound simultaneously using the Hi/Lo wail tone.

Outdoor warning sirens are used in Teton County for all hazards, not just tornadoes. They may be activated for events like hazardous materials incidents, severe weather, or wildfire evacuations.

If a siren wail goes on longer than 3 minutes, then it is an actual emergency.

The public is being asked to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the system by submitting feedback:

To complete the siren audibility survey, click HERE.

“Our community’s input is what helps us make this system better,” Ochs added. “Taking 30 seconds tocomplete the survey gives us real-world data that we can’t get any other way.”

To learn more about Teton County’s outdoor warning sirens and alert systems, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A Local News 8 investigation into the Pocatello Police shooting of Victor Perez has uncovered significant new details surrounding the shooting of the disabled teen.

One of the revelations learned from police reports indicates that several members of the Pocatello Police Department were aware of Victor’s disabilities before the April 5th shooting. Our investigation also reveals police had been called to the property on previous occasions to intervene in the 17-year-old’s violent outbursts.

Local News 8 requested the incident reports shortly after the shooting, after receiving a tip from an anonymous source familiar with law enforcement that Pocatello PD had interactions with Perez and his family in the past.

The first recorded interaction between officers and the Perez family occurred on December 2nd, 2024. According to the report filed by Officer T. Anderson, police were called to the Perez home after Victor had pinned his mother to the ground by her hair. Officers were able to de-escalate the situation, convincing Victor to release his mother and subsequently placing him in handcuffs.

Officer Anderson’s report notes that Victor’s mother, speaking in Spanish, informed him that Victor was “mentally disabled and suddenly became violent.”

She also disclosed Victor’s history of violent outbursts, including an incident just weeks before in Chicago, Illinois, where he had strangled her. Victor’s mother ultimately chose not to press charges in this case.

On February 25 of this year, less than two months before the shooting, police were called to the home once again. This time, Victor’s grandfather, Luis Armando Alicea, told Officer Forburger of the Pocatello Police Department that the family was struggling to control the teen. Officer Forburger observed that Victor appeared to be non-verbal autistic and, according to the family, he had been acting out at school. . According to the police report, the family told Officer Forsburger they’d had trouble obtaining Victor’s medication, and they blamed that for Victor’s aggressive behavior.

During the February incident, Victor’s mother asked police to take her son to the hospital for evaluation, but Officer Forburger stated they couldn’t without legal grounds for action. However, the police did forward the report to Child Protective Services, advising them to visit the home and conduct an evaluation.

While much of the information in these reports remains redacted, the available details raise critical questions: Were the responding officers on April 5th aware of, or informed of, Victor’s condition? And if so, why not? And how will these newly uncovered details impact the ongoing investigation into their use of force?

Local News 8 reached out to the Pocatello Police regarding these questions. City spokesperson Marlise Irby indicated that the police department would be unable to answer the questions due to the ongoing litigation and investigation by the Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.

In past press conferences, city officials did release the 911 call to dispatch, indicating what the responding officers were aware of at the time. According to the call transcript, dispatch was told that the incident was taking place in the backyard of a home near a shop on 658 North Main. Perez’s name and address were not mentioned.

The documents also suggest that Victor’s family had been struggling to manage his behavior for some time. This, in turn, prompts another important question: Why didn’t they seek outside help or resources to address these ongoing challenges?

We’ll continue to follow this developing story and bring you the latest information as it becomes available.

The individual police reports have been included below:

24-p27827Download

25-p03674Download

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Sam Ross

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A close victory in Power County elections last night will bring a budget boost to the American Falls rural fire district.

The fire district had a permanent override on the ballot to increase its levying capacity by $200 thousand.

Of the 132 voters who turned up to the polls yesterday, 88 voted in favor of the fire district, passing the permanent override by only one vote.

“You always hear your vote matters. That was very proof positive that the vote matters. I mean, every vote matters,” said Power County clerk Sharee Sprague.

The Power County rural fire district put the permanent levy override on the ballot to fund upgrades to their fire station and hire a full-time chief.

Clerk Sprague says if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Power County clerk’s office. For more information, click HERE.

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