Acting Portsmouth Police Chief Captain Debby Brewer says her officers made a big error last week when they mistakenly entered the home of a Portsmouth couple and held them at gunpoint.
Misty Marcum says she was just hanging out at home with her boyfriend, brother, and dogs when officers entered her Sixth Street home through an unlocked door and held the occupants at gunpoint for a few minutes. Marcum said she feared for both her life and the lives of her pet dogs. Marcum says she’s never been in trouble before and that the entire incident was terrifying.
Acting Chief Brewer says the incident happened “completely by mistake.” A break-in in progress had been reported at an address one block down the street but the numbers of the address got transposed and officers arrived at the wrong house.
Footage from the home’s security camera showed officers drawing weapons and entering the house. Brewer said the officers had been counseled about the need to verify addresses if they have any questions about being at the right location.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbYNViDKa28[/embedyt]
She says a police sergeant attempted to apologize at the scene but she also took the opportunity to do so. “I apologize to the residents. The officers should have known better. Accidents happen. I’m just glad nobody was hurt and that the people in the home actually were the residents.”
Brewer says the original breaking and entering call was from a third party and when officers arrived at the correct address, that home was secure.
We appreciate Acting Chief Brewer for answering our tough questions. It would not be fair to release the video on our platform without offering both parties a chance to share their sides.
