It was a tense afternoon along the Ohio River as first responders from multiple agencies in two states sprang into action after receiving a troubling report: a woman in a white SUV had allegedly threatened to harm herself and a disabled child near the Greenup Dam.
🚨 A Multi-Agency Search
Just after 4 p.m., law enforcement scrambled to determine whether the woman was on the Ohio or Kentucky side of the river.
- ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) launched boats into the water to patrol near the dam.
- Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies worked to ping the woman’s cell phone for a location.
- When it looked like the SUV might be in Kentucky, Boyd County officers headed to the Ashland Mall to conduct a welfare check.
- Kentucky officials also reviewed traffic cameras, which ultimately showed the woman had crossed back into Ohio.
👮 Crisis Averted
A Scioto County deputy finally made contact with the woman. She explained she had been in the area near the dam but was never actually on it. She said her phone had died, creating confusion about her location.
She told deputies she had been arguing with her husband and decided to leave the situation by driving to the mall. She assured officers she was safe, and deputies confirmed her child was asleep and unharmed inside the vehicle.
🌟 Commending First Responders
While the situation turned out to be less dire than first feared, officials say the response showcased the dedication of multiple agencies working together across state lines.
From ODNR officers in boats, to Scioto County deputies tracing signals, to Boyd County officers checking the mall, everyone acted quickly to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
💡 Why These Efforts Matter
In moments of uncertainty—when seconds feel critical—coordination between agencies can mean the difference between tragedy and relief. Responders treated the call with urgency, refusing to dismiss it until they could confirm the family’s safety.
👉 Bottom line: Thanks to swift, coordinated action by first responders in both Ohio and Kentucky, a potentially tragic situation near the Greenup Dam ended without harm. Their teamwork is a reminder that when agencies pull together, communities on both sides of the river are safer.
