It was a busy weekend for Portsmouth Police as officers responded to multiple calls from local businesses dealing with everything from loiterers to alleged threats of gun violence.
Boost Mobile Showdown
Officers were dispatched to Boost Mobile on Scioto Trail after an employee reported that a woman inside the store refused to leave. Police issued a trespass order, which the woman declined to sign—but she did verbally acknowledge that she was no longer welcome on the property.
Unwanted Sales Pitch at Speedway
Speedway on Gallia called for backup when a man set up shop outside, allegedly trying to sell items to customers. Employees asked officers to bar him from the premises. Police arrived, had a conversation with the man, and officially trespassed him from the property.
Gun Threat in the Rally’s Drive-Thru
Things took a more serious turn at Rally’s on Gallia Street around 2 a.m. when a manager called 911 to report two men in a gray Taurus who allegedly threatened her with a gun while going through the drive-thru.
The caller told dispatchers that one of the men had a pistol tucked into his waistband and gave officers identifying information about both the driver and passenger. The vehicle had already left eastbound on Gallia by the time police arrived. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Same Problems, Different Places
While the situations varied, all three incidents underscore the growing challenges faced by frontline workers at local businesses—who often have to act as both service providers and gatekeepers when dealing with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or aggression.
🗣️ What do you think should be done to better support local businesses and their employees when these situations arise?