Portsmouth’s first responders faced a busy afternoon as they answered call after call involving people in crisis. From college grounds to family homes, officers and EMS crews worked to keep situations from spiraling out of control.
Student in Distress at Shawnee State
Just after 1 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a call about a student “going crazy” near the Shawnee State University soccer field. Witnesses reported the individual was being violent and threatening to harm herself and others. SSU police and Portsmouth EMS rushed to the scene, where the woman was stabilized and transported to the hospital for treatment.
Family Fight Over Frying Pan
At 2:45 p.m., another emergency call came in about a disturbance inside an apartment. A man told dispatchers his sister was “going crazy” and wielding a knife and frying pan. When officers arrived, they found no weapons in play, just a heated verbal argument. Police were able to calm the situation and advised the siblings to separate for everyone’s safety.
Child Threats at Home
By 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched again after a grandmother reported her grandchild was threatening everyone in the household. Responding officers met with the child’s mother and escorted her to the home. The child left with the mother without further incident, and police determined no criminal charges were necessary.
On the Front Line for Us All
None of these situations ended in tragedy, thanks to quick action by first responders who balance compassion with crisis management every day. From walking a student to safety, to diffusing a volatile argument, to helping a family through a tense moment, Portsmouth police and EMS once again showed the importance of having trained professionals ready to step in.
