Just before midnight, tensions spiked in Wayne Hills when a caller reported seeing two men allegedly waving guns in public, claiming one of them had a 9mm handgun.
Police rushed to the scene at 11:30 p.m. and spoke with witnesses, who said two men had stopped in front of their apartment, started yelling, and one of them made a movement—placing his hand under his armpit—that gave the impression he was armed.
But here’s where the story gets murky: witnesses weren’t even sure which man made the motion, and no gun was ever seen.
🚔 What Police Found
Officers later caught up with the two men, who denied having a weapon and claimed they were simply driving home from the store. With no gun recovered, no direct threats, and no clear evidence, police could not file charges.
Instead, both groups were told to stay away from each other, and officers advised the concerned residents they could file a protection order if the issue continues.
🧠 The Bigger Picture
This may not have been a crime—but it’s another reminder of how fear, intimidation, and neighborhood disputes feed into Portsmouth’s larger homelessness and mental health crisis. False alarms mix with real threats, and police are left sorting through conflicting stories in the middle of the night.
💡 What To Do If You Suspect a Gun Threat
Stay Calm, Stay Safe – Don’t escalate. Get indoors or into a safe location immediately.
Call 911 Right Away – Give as much detail as possible: what you saw, what was said, clothing, vehicle, direction of travel.
Don’t Assume – Gestures can be misread. Police need clear information before taking action.
Avoid Confrontation – Even if you think it’s a bluff, never approach someone you believe may be armed.
Consider a Protection Order – If you feel targeted repeatedly, courts can legally bar someone from coming near you.
👉 Bottom line: Whether it was a threat or a bluff, situations like this put entire neighborhoods on edge. Portsmouth residents are urged to trust their instincts, call police immediately, and avoid taking matters into their own hands.
