Domestic Disputes Keep Police Busy at Portsmouth Public Housing Complexes

It was a hectic day for Portsmouth Police officers as they responded to a string of domestic incidents across multiple Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority (PMHA) apartment complexes, with tempers flaring, protection orders violated, and children caught in the middle. Here’s a breakdown of a day filled with tension—and yet another reminder of the ongoing challenges facing public housing communities under pressure. Wayne Hills: Repeat Visits to Thomas Avenue 9:00 a.m. — Arrest for Violating a Protection Order Police were called to a Thomas Avenue apartment in the Wayne Hills complex after a caller reported fighting and screaming coming from an apartment where children were present. Officers arrested Makayla Adkins, who was found to be in violation of a court-issued protection order. Adkins had previously been charged with domestic violence in October. A protection order was issued at that time, which she allegedly violated. She appeared in court for that violation on December 1, and is scheduled for back-to-back court hearings on December 2. 4:30 p.m. — Another Domestic Call with EMS Response Officers returned to Thomas Avenue later in the day for a report of an active physical domestic. The male suspect fled the scene in a black Honda, possibly headed to High Street or Portsmouth’s East End. EMS responded to check on the woman involved, but transport to the hospital was not required. Officers notified Children’s Services and took a report. Farley Square: Woman Calls Police for Help Getting Man to Leave Around 10:00 a.m., police were dispatched to Farley Square on a report of a man and woman fighting. By the time officers arrived, the male had already left. The woman told police he does not live at the apartment, and the argument had been verbal only, with no threats or physical violence. She said she had asked him to leave several times, but he refused until she threatened to call police. Officers advised her to call back immediately if he returned and caused another disturbance. Hisle Park: Dispute Over Children, No Legal Custody Arrangement At noon, officers were back on Thomas Avenue, this time at Hisle Park Apartments, for a report that a woman’s fiancé had kicked her out of their apartment and was threatening to take their children to an undisclosed location. The woman told officers they were not legally married and had no formal custody agreement in place. She stated she wanted to take her children and leave for her parents’ house. Officers allowed her to leave peacefully with her children, ending the situation without further escalation. Bigger Picture: Strained Systems, Repeated Calls These incidents underscore the ongoing issues of domestic violence, housing insecurity, and strained law enforcement resources in public housing communities across Portsmouth: Officers are frequently called to the same locations multiple times in a single day. Children are regularly present during volatile situations, triggering mandatory CPS notifications. Legal protections like protection orders often go ignored, requiring follow-up arrests. As PMHA complexes continue to experience high call volumes and frequent repeat disturbances, law enforcement and social services are left juggling urgent response needs with limited tools for long-term resolution. Stay tuned to Scioto County Daily News for updates on these and other stories shaping our local neighborhoods

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