Deputies rushed to a home this week after a terrified mother called 911, saying her son told her he was on his way to kick in her door—and was demanding $300,000.
According to the report, the woman told deputies she had just bailed her son out of jail and that a protection order is already in place. She said her son has severe mental health issues and begged deputies to make sure he was taken to the hospital for treatment.
“She advised he has mental issues and needs help,” the report states.
The mother specifically asked officers to intervene before the situation escalated further, hoping her son could be placed in a mental health facility. Deputies told her they would do what they could.
Records show the man was arrested in October on charges related to domestic violence and making domestic threats and was released from jail in early January.
Hear the 911 call
A Familiar Pattern
Incidents like this are becoming increasingly common across Scioto County: families calling police not because they want someone arrested—but because they don’t know where else to turn when a loved one is spiraling.
Law enforcement is often left trying to bridge gaps in a system where access to immediate mental health care is limited, especially after someone is released from jail without treatment or follow-up support.
In many cases, deputies can only act if a crime has occurred or if someone meets strict legal standards for involuntary hospitalization—leaving families stuck in fear, waiting for help that may not come in time.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, resources are available:
The Counseling Center — including Day One Recovery in Portsmouth, Ohio. Crisis Hotline: 740-354-6685
Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health — 740-354-2944
Hope Source — 740-353-4673
AA / NA Local Chapters — 800-589-4827
Scioto County Crisis Center — 740-354-1010
Local Law Enforcement — 911
SCDN will continue to track these cases and report on how often families are being forced to rely on police as a last resort for mental health emergencies.