Police explains why Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase is back on the streets: 'He must voluntarily accept service'

Former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase, best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has continued to refuse repeated offers of assistance from law enforcement and outreach teams, despite ongoing struggles with homelessness, substance use and mental health issues, according to authorities.

Speaking to People magazine, Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said officers and outreach workers have repeatedly offered Chase help, including medical care and shelter, amid public concern over his well-being. “He has come very close to accepting help, but ultimately that final step must be made by the individual, and at this point he has declined those services,” Gonzalez claimed.

The latest update comes as videos of Chase living on the streets of Riverside, California, and appearing to use drugs circulated widely on social media. The footage prompted significant online discussion and concern. Phillips emphasised that law enforcement’s interactions with Chase have been focused on offering voluntary support, but that officers cannot compel medical or psychiatric treatment without his consent.

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He added, “From the videos circulating online, 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. Even when someone is clearly in crisis, they must voluntarily accept services unless very specific legal thresholds are met.”

Explaining why Tylor was released, Gonzalez explained, “Without a voluntary commitment or meeting strict legal criteria for involuntary treatment, individuals are released back onto the streets, often without sustained care. It’s a frustrating and heartbreaking cycle that highlights the broader gaps in how we, as a society, address mental health, addiction, and homelessness.”

Chase’s situation has drawn attention because of his early success as a child actor and the stark contrast to his current circumstances. In recent months, former co-star Daniel Curtis Lee and other well-wishers have attempted to help by providing food, temporary housing and support, and Mighty Ducks alumnus Shaun Weiss has publicly advocated for greater intervention. However, Chase’s refusal to engage with offers of help has frustrated friends and supporters alike.

As of now, Chase remains unhoused and resistant to offers of structured intervention, and local authorities say they will continue to attempt outreach as part of their ongoing efforts.