Police in California have defended their response to the case of former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase, who has been living on the streets in Riverside. The 36-year-old, best known for playing Martin Qwerly in the early 2000s series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, was filmed looking distressed earlier this month, sparking a wave of concern from fans.
Tylor has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. He was hospitalised over Christmas after help from former co-stars, but was later spotted back on the streets. Social media influencer Jake Harris said Tylor was placed on a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold and was due to go to a rehab facility, but was released without contact.
Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez told People magazine: 'What we’re seeing play out with Tylor is, unfortunately, something we see every day. From the videos, it’s clear he is struggling with substance abuse and untreated mental illness. The challenge is that our current mental health system is largely built around personal choice.'
He explained that outreach teams have been in frequent contact with Tylor and repeatedly offered services, but he has declined. Gonzalez noted that arrests for drug possession are only misdemeanour offences in California and due to jail overcrowding, individuals are often released quickly without access to treatment. 'It’s a frustrating and heartbreaking cycle that highlights the broader gaps in how we, as a society, address mental health, addiction, and homelessness,' he said.
A police department statement added that the Public Safety Engagement Team, specially trained to work with homeless individuals, has offered services to Tylor but he has declined assistance.
