A late morning scene at York Park turned violent when witnesses spotted a man and woman in a parked blue Nissan Altima allegedly hitting each other in a brutal fight. One caller said the pair were going at it “in a violent way” before quickly leaving the area.
Police wasted no time tracking down the car and moved in to stop the escalating situation.
🚔 The Arrest
- Officers caught up with the Altima shortly after the call.
- The man inside was taken into custody and the vehicle was towed.
- Whyette Copas, identified as homeless, was arrested on a domestic violence charge and booked into the Scioto County Jail.
When Copas appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court, the judge issued a domestic violence protection order. Despite the charge, Copas was released on his own recognizance.
📜 A Familiar Name
This isn’t Copas’s first run-in with police this month:
- August 4 – Arrested for public intoxication.
- Declared indigent and appointed a public defender.
- Scheduled to reappear in court on September 8.
- Also released on his own recognizance.
With multiple arrests in just weeks, Copas’s name is becoming a regular entry on Portsmouth’s court docket.
😡 The Bigger Issue
Domestic violence cases like this one highlight a growing concern in Portsmouth—repeat offenders slipping through the cracks. Despite multiple arrests, limited jail space and legal processes often mean suspects are back on the streets within days.
💡 What To Do If You Suspect Domestic Violence
📞 Call 911 immediately. Even if you’re not sure what you’re seeing, better safe than sorry.
👂 Listen, don’t judge. If someone confides in you, believe them. Victims often fear no one will.
🏠 Don’t confront the abuser directly. It can escalate danger for you and the victim.
📋 Encourage professional help. Share numbers for shelters, hotlines, or local advocacy groups.
📲 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
👉 Bottom Line: A fight in a blue Altima at York Park ended with handcuffs this time—but until the cycle of arrest and release is addressed, it may only be a matter of time before the next call comes in.
