Scioto County Sheriff’s deputies were on the front lines of the addiction crisis once again after a 911 call about a man barricading himself in his mother’s home, convinced he had been stabbed, and that “commandos” were after him.
The call came in around 7 a.m. from the man’s brother, who told dispatchers his sibling was high on meth and out of control. Deputies rushed to the scene, where they found the man with a head injury and requested an ambulance. But when medics arrived, the man refused treatment.
Meth’s Dangerous Grip
Officials say the incident is a stark example of how methamphetamine use can wreak havoc on both mind and body. Common side effects include:
Hallucinations and paranoia, leading users to believe they’re being followed or attacked.
Agitation and aggression, which can cause them to barricade themselves or lash out.
Physical harm, from injuries sustained while under the influence to long-term organ damage.
First Responders on the Front Lines
Deputies and medics once again found themselves not just responding to a call but trying to manage the fallout of the region’s ongoing drug epidemic. Officers say that while not every case results in an arrest, every encounter like this highlights the strain addiction places on families, first responders, and communities.
Authorities remind residents to call 911 if a loved one is in crisis — even when drugs are involved. Quick calls give police and EMS the chance to step in before paranoia or hallucinations spiral into tragedy.