Why police say they can’t intervene as former ‘Ned’s Declassified’ star Tylor Chase returns to the streets

Former Ned’s Declassified actor Tylor Chase has returned to sleeping on the streets of Southern California, with police saying their hands are tied by state law despite concerns about his wellbeing.

Authorities in Riverside confirmed that Chase, who rose to fame as a child actor on Nickelodeon, is in urgent need of long-term mental health and substance abuse treatment. However, officers say California law prevents them from forcing him into care.

According to police, Chase does not currently meet the legal threshold of being considered gravely disabled or an immediate danger to himself or others. As a result, they are unable to mandate treatment, even as his situation worsens.

Law enforcement officials added that Chase has repeatedly declined offers of help, including shelter placement and voluntary treatment. Under state law, homelessness alone is not a crime, and police cannot compel an adult to accept assistance.

Brief hospital hold, then release

Chase was recently placed on a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold by a mental health crisis team, but was released shortly afterwards and returned to living on the streets. Police said they had no legal authority to extend the hold once medical professionals determined he no longer qualified.

Even if Chase were arrested for minor drug possession or related offences, officers said those charges would likely be misdemeanours, resulting in his release shortly after receiving a summons.

“We can’t kidnap him,” a police spokesperson said, explaining that the law offers no leverage in situations where an individual refuses care but does not meet strict involuntary commitment criteria.

Fellow child actor speaks out

Former Mighty Ducks star Shaun Weiss, who has been advocating for Chase, said the situation highlights serious gaps in the system. Weiss, who has publicly spoken about his own recovery, has repeatedly called for stronger intervention options for people experiencing severe addiction and mental health crises.

Chase has reportedly been living transiently across Southern California for an extended period while struggling with addiction. Police say they continue to monitor his situation and offer assistance whenever possible, but acknowledge there is little more they can do under current legislation.

For now, Chase remains on the streets, with authorities stressing that any meaningful change would require either voluntary acceptance of help or reforms to the laws governing involuntary treatment.