December 4,2025
RED FM News Desk
After nearly 300 days, the parents of 15-year-old Chase De Balinhard—an autistic Surrey boy shot and killed by RCMP—finally have answers. B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has ruled that the officers who shot him were legally justified because they believed he had a real gun and posed an immediate threat. However, the investigation also found that none of the officers involved had any formal training on interacting with neurodivergent individuals.
The report describes the events of Feb. 9, 2025: Chase left home with what turned out to be a pellet gun, called 911, told the dispatcher he had a gun and wanted to kill himself, and also disclosed that he had autism. Officers arrived believing he had a loaded firearm. Witnesses and officers said he appeared confused, unresponsive to commands, and held the gun to his head. When he suddenly turned and pointed the weapon at officers, two fired, and one bullet fatally struck him.
The IIO concluded the officers had reasonable grounds to fear for their lives and will not face charges. But the report highlights a significant systemic problem: the officers had no autism-specific training, and their understanding of autism varied widely. Experts noted Chase may have been overwhelmed and unable to process shouted commands.
While the report does not blame individual officers for failing to recognize signs of distress, it reinforces long-standing concerns that B.C. police lack proper training to respond safely to neurodivergent people in crisis.
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