Key Takeaways
- The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) has found no reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed any offense in the shooting death of a 15-year-old autistic teen in Surrey earlier this year.
- The teen had called police threatening suicide and was shot by officers when he pointed a realistic-looking gun at them.
- The IIO report states that the officers were acting in the lawful execution of their duty in attempting to apprehend the teen, who was reasonably understood to be in possession of a loaded firearm and intending to harm himself with it in a public place.
- The interaction between the police and the teen lasted more than 20 minutes, and the officers’ actions were focused on responding to the perceived risk to the teen, the public, and officer safety.
- The report notes that the teen’s lack of response to police officers’ efforts to speak with him has been described by experts as "sensory overload," and acknowledges the need for police agencies to be better-informed when responding to people who are neurodivergent.
Introduction to the Incident
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) was called in to investigate the shooting death of a 15-year-old autistic teen in Surrey earlier this year. The teen had called police threatening suicide, and when officers responded, he pointed a realistic-looking gun at them, leading to the fatal shooting. The IIO’s report, released on December 4, 2025, found no reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed any offense in the incident.
The Investigation and its Findings
The IIO’s investigation into the incident found that the teen had called police threatening suicide, and when officers responded, they were accompanied by Car 67, the police mental health outreach unit, which includes a mental health nurse. However, when the teen pointed the realistic-looking gun at police, two officers shot at him, resulting in his death. The report states that the officers were acting in the lawful execution of their duty in attempting to apprehend the teen, who was reasonably understood to be in possession of a loaded firearm and intending to harm himself with it in a public place.
The Interaction Between Police and the Teen
The interaction between the police and the teen lasted more than 20 minutes, according to the report. During this time, the officers attempted to establish a dialogue with the teen, but he did not respond. The report notes that the teen’s lack of response has been described by experts as "sensory overload," and acknowledges the need for police agencies to be better-informed when responding to people who are neurodivergent. The officers also attempted to use pepper spray or a Taser, but were unable to get close enough to the teen to do so.
The Use of Force by Police
The report states that the officers’ use of force was justified, given the perceived risk to the teen, the public, and officer safety. The teen had pointed the gun at himself and at police, and the officers were unable to get close enough to establish a dialogue or use alternative methods to subdue him. The report concludes that the outcome of the case was tragic, but ultimately, the death was not the result of any unjustified use of force by any officer.
Support for Those Struggling with Mental Health
The incident highlights the need for support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention provides warning signs for suicidal thoughts, including substance use, purposelessness, anxiety, feeling trapped, hopelessness and helplessness, withdrawal, anger, recklessness, and mood changes. If you or someone you know is struggling, it is essential to seek help and support.
Conclusion
The IIO’s report into the shooting death of the 15-year-old autistic teen in Surrey earlier this year has found no reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed any offense. The incident highlights the need for police agencies to be better-informed when responding to people who are neurodivergent and the importance of providing support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues. The outcome of the case was tragic, but ultimately, the death was not the result of any unjustified use of force by any officer.