A terrified child’s middle-of-the-night 911 call sent Portsmouth Police rushing to a family home, where a father was reportedly destroying the house and threatening his own daughter.
🕛 A Child Calls for Help
Just after 1 a.m., dispatchers received a call no one wants to hear:
A child whispering that her father was tearing up the home and making threats.
By the time officers arrived, the man had already fled. Police contacted Children’s Services (CPS) and began piecing together what had happened.
🧩 A Family Already in Crisis
Officers spoke with the child and caregivers and learned there was already an open CPS case involving the family.
Police determined the father had been irrational, aggressive, and frightening enough that everyone in the home feared what he might do next.
Officers explained the Temporary Protection Order (TPO) process and told the family to call immediately if he returned.
🌅 Trouble Again at Sunrise
Just six hours later, around 7 a.m., the man returned to the home — but once again, he took off before officers arrived.
Police are continuing to document the ongoing disturbances and remain in communication with CPS to ensure the safety of the children involved.
🛑 Domestic Chaos Can Spiral Fast
Police emphasize that any threat, destruction of property, or frightening behavior around children is enough to call 911 every time.
Officers also remind families that a TPO can:
- 🚫 Legally bar someone from returning
- 🚓 Allow police to arrest immediately if violated
- 🛡️ Provide added protection for children in the home
If you or someone you know is dealing with escalating domestic behavior — especially when children are involved — don’t wait.
Call for help. Document everything. And know that you are never bothering authorities by protecting your family.