A disturbance at Doyle Landing turned ugly when police responded to reports of homeless individuals yelling and screaming — and found an assault victim in the middle of it all.
The injured man pointed the finger at his attacker, and officers wasted no time taking Clarence Howard into custody. Not only was he charged with assault, but police say he was also supplying alcohol to underage individuals — a move that can land you in serious legal trouble.
Howard was booked into the Scioto County Jail, but by the next morning he was back on the street after a Portsmouth Municipal Court judge released him on his own recognizance. He’s now set for a pre-trial hearing on August 20.
This isn’t Howard’s first brush with the law — he was arrested in October of last year for making a domestic threat and disorderly conduct (later dismissed) and convicted of disorderly conduct in August 2024 after pleading down an assault charge.
⚠️ The Real Cost of Giving Alcohol to Minors
Handing booze to someone under 21 isn’t just “being the cool adult” — it’s a criminal offense in Ohio. Possible consequences include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Jail time up to 6 months
- Civil liability if that minor causes injury or damage after drinking
- Permanent mark on your record — which could affect jobs, housing, and even custody rights
Police say it’s simple: If they can’t legally buy it, you shouldn’t be handing it to them. The “good time” you think you’re offering could end in hospital visits, arrests, or worse.
