Dozens gathered in Surrey’s Clayton Heights neighbourhood Thursday night for a candle light vigil honouring 15-year-old Chase de Balinhard.
“He was a pretty amazing kid and this was a complete tragedy that happened,” said Sydney Garbet, his former tutor and babysitter.
“I feel like I’m in a bit of a nightmare, I can’t imagine what his parents are feeling.”
On Sunday afternoon police responded to reports of a person with a weapon. Chase was on the autism spectrum and functioned more like a 10-year-old, his parents told CTV News.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) told CTV News there was an altercation resulting in shots fired by police. Chase died at the scene.
“The sadness has turned to anger. I’m angry,” said Dana Davidson, a neighbour who attended Thursday night’s vigil.
“It really hit me because I have a 14-year-old son with autism and, just to think about that happening to my little boy. I just…I wept. I wept.”
Surrey RCMP and the Surrey Police Service denied CTV News’ request for comment, citing the ongoing IIO investigation.
Chase’s parents Rick and Crystal de Balinhard say police need different training and protocols when dealing with people living with complex needs.
“I just lost my only son and I’m going to put my sorrow and rage into making things right,” said Crystal.
“This is not going to be the end of our son’s story,” added Rick. “It can’t be. There has to be change.”
On Friday, Rick and Crystal are set to see their son for the first time since he died.
“I can’t wait to see my son but I don’t want to see him in that condition,” said Crystal. “No mom wants to see their son like that.”
The grieving parents say they’re overwhelmed with the community’s support.
“We’ve been lifted and supported,” said Crystal, adding that other parents with autistic children have reached out and shared similar incidents they’ve had with law enforcement.
While no date is set yet for Chase’s funeral, Crystal and Rick say the community’s support is so strong that they’re now working on finding a larger venue to put their son to rest.
