The police watchdog in British Columbia has determined that no criminal offense was committed by an officer in the shooting incident that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy in Surrey earlier this year. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) conducted an inquiry into the events surrounding the shooting of Chase De Balinhard on February 9, 2025. During the investigation, Jessica Berglund, the chief civilian director of the IIO, confirmed that the teenager’s parents granted permission to use his name.
According to the findings released on December 4, De Balinhard, who had autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, contacted the police and made threats of suicide. Upon police arrival, including the mental health outreach unit Car 67 with a mental health nurse, the situation escalated when the teenager allegedly aimed what appeared to be a firearm at the officers. Consequently, two officers discharged their weapons, resulting in the teenager’s death at the scene.
The IIO is mandated to investigate incidents involving police that lead to death or serious injury in British Columbia. The report detailed the sequence of events, indicating that despite efforts to communicate with De Balinhard, he did not comply with commands to drop the weapon. Witnesses described his demeanor as blank or confused, with no direct threats made towards them. The report highlighted the challenges faced by officers in engaging with neurodivergent individuals like De Balinhard, emphasizing the need for improved police responses in such situations.
The tragic outcome of the incident was deemed justified by the IIO, considering the perceived threat posed by the teenager’s actions towards himself and the officers. The report concluded that the officers acted lawfully in their duty to address a potentially harmful situation involving a loaded firearm in a public setting. While acknowledging the sorrowful outcome, the investigation found no unjustified use of force by the officers involved.