Authorities report feeling hindered in their ability to assist Tyler Chase, a former child actor from Nickelodeon, who is currently homeless in Riverside, California. After a recent 72-hour stay in a psychiatric facility, he has returned to the streets.
Under California law, police are unable to mandate treatment for him. A spokesperson for the Riverside Police Department, Ryan Railsback, shared that while Chase requires long-term care, legal restrictions prevent them from placing him in a rehab or mental health facility because he does not meet certain criteria for being considered at risk.
Railsback noted that Chase has “respectfully refused” the help offered by authorities. Earlier this month, he was in a psychiatric detention and was due to transition to a rehabilitation center last week. However, he was released before that could happen.
Chase was seen back on the streets as of December 24th. Shaun Weiss, an actor from the “Mighty Ducks,” expressed concern, stating that plans were in place for his transport to a detox facility, but those arrangements fell through without notifying his advocates.
Weiss has been working alongside Riverside local Jacob Harris, advocating for Chase since his homelessness became public earlier this year. After spotting Tyler on the streets again, Harris called the mental health crisis team for a re-evaluation. Despite findings suggesting Chase was a danger to himself, the team made the decision to leave him without assistance.
Interestingly, Chase was reportedly using methamphetamine during the evaluation, exposed to harsh weather conditions without proper clothing. Weiss, who has been candid about his own battles with addiction, expressed uncertainty about the next steps but mentioned contacting Screen Actors Guild leaders for potential intervention in support of his friend.
Chase gained recognition for his role as Martin Querley on “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” from 2004 to 2007. Earlier this year, a TikTok clip revealed his struggles with homelessness and addiction, and there were brief moments of hope when he was spotted by former co-star Daniel Curtis Lee, who offered temporary shelter.
The reunion brought a sense of relief as Lee described providing food and safety, noting this was “one step closer to long-term treatment.”
