An 11-year-old boy was fatally shot in the restrooms of a prominent international airport. The incident occurred at Elko International Airport in Nevada, prompting immediate response from emergency services due to reports of an active shooter. The victim, Callan West Perez, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was swiftly transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a deceased man near the airline ticket counter and the young boy in critical condition on April 13. Despite medical efforts, Callan could not be saved. Subsequent investigations revealed that the deceased man was identified as Giovanni Perez, Callan’s father. Reports indicated that the father and son were stranded in Winnemucca, Nevada, after their vehicle broke down, leading them to seek alternative transportation at the airport.
In a poignant message, the grieving family described Callan as exceptionally bright, humorous, and compassionate, highlighting his generous nature and kind spirit. They have initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cope with the devastating loss and seek assistance during this challenging time.
According to law enforcement officials, the father and son entered the restrooms together, briefly exited, and then returned before the tragic shooting occurred, under circumstances that remain unclear. The father reportedly took his own life near the ticket counter after the incident. As a precautionary measure, bomb squad officers inspected the vehicle associated with the pair, although no explosives were found.
The tragic event at Elko International Airport caused significant disruptions, leading to temporary flight suspensions before normal operations resumed the next day. Callan’s family is now seeking financial support to cover funeral expenses and potentially pursue legal action, expressing their desire for justice in light of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Allegedly, Giovanni Perez was engaged in a custody dispute with his son’s maternal grandparents, attempting to restrict access to the child from both sides of the family, as disclosed by Elko police. Authorities also indicated that Perez was grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his military service.