What started as a concerning scene at a local gas station ended with compassion and quick action, thanks to local law enforcement.
Police rushed to the Marathon Station on the Scioto Trail after multiple 911 calls reported a man in visible distress. Witnesses said he was wandering between the gas station and the nearby Wendy’s, attempting to get into passing cars — a sign that something was clearly wrong.
When officers arrived, they didn’t reach for handcuffs — they reached for help.
They calmly spoke with the man and convinced him to accept assistance. An officer then personally transported him to Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) to get the treatment he needed.
Officers on the Mental Health Front Line
Situations like this happen more often than you might think. Across the country — and right here in Portsmouth — police are often the first responders to mental health crises. They step in when someone is disoriented, panicked, or even unintentionally putting themselves or others at risk.
These moments require more than training in law enforcement. They demand compassion, patience, and the ability to de-escalate — all while ensuring public safety.
What YOU Can Do If You See Someone in Crisis:
If you witness someone who appears to be having a mental health emergency, here’s how to help safely:
- Call 911 immediately. Describe the situation and let dispatchers know it could be a mental health crisis.
- Don’t try to intervene physically. Your intentions might be good, but it could escalate the situation.
- Keep a safe distance and try to ensure others do too until help arrives.
- Stay calm and observe. The more info you can share with responders, the better.
In moments like these, a single call can make the difference between tragedy and treatment. And thanks to the officers who responded at the Marathon Station, one man got the help he needed — no sirens, no arrests, just support.
