The drug crisis in Scioto County continues to spill into public view — with two back-to-back incidents in the early morning hours highlighting the sheer desperation, paranoia, and chaos that addiction is wreaking on individuals and the first responders trying to help them.
“They’re Gonna Get Me!” – Rehab Standoff at Pepsi Plant
Just after 2 a.m., a panicked man called 911 from the parking lot of the Hughes Re-entry Center, claiming he was being followed — by 20 cars. He said the mysterious caravan had chased him all the way from Gallia County and was now parked outside the nearby Pepsi Bottling Plant.
- He refused to describe the vehicles.
- He feared going to the door, saying “they might walk over and get me.”
- When dispatch asked if he might be hallucinating, the man firmly insisted, “No.”
- He said he’d already contacted the rehab center — but hung up on them to call 911.
- Most disturbingly, he told dispatchers: “I’m just going to run the sons of bitches over.”
🚔 Fortunately, officers arrived before he could act on that threat. They stood by as staff at Hughes Re-entry agreed to take the man in. He was safely escorted into the facility and left his vehicle parked out front. Police warned him not to drive again if he left the facility that night.
Cocaine, Threats, and a Rehab Walk-Out in McDermott
Just hours later, another rehab center in McDermott called police for help with a combative patient who had become aggressive and verbally abusive toward staff.
- At first, the man asked for a ride, then abruptly changed his mind.
- Rehab staff said he was under the influence of cocaine, had threatened to harm himself, and tried to fight staff members.
- Fearing for everyone’s safety, they called 911 and requested an ambulance.
But before help arrived, the man walked off.
🚨 Officers later found him wandering along Route 104 and gave him a ride into Portsmouth.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re snapshots of the broader crisis in Scioto County, where addiction-fueled paranoia, violence, and instability are placing enormous strain on law enforcement, EMS, and rehab facilities.
Police are being asked to respond not just to crime — but to mental health breakdowns, overdose panic, and drug-fueled delusions.
💡 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out to a local treatment center, crisis line, or emergency services before the situation becomes dangerous.
Scioto County is fighting a war on multiple fronts — and these scenes are a reminder that the battle is far from over.