A not-so-bright criminal promised a Portsmouth Officer he would do something stupid and he sure did. We check out this dim-bulb’s crime plus a string of thefts and another towing spree. Here is the rundown from the Portsmouth Police Chief’s Briefing.
Chased By An Ex?
Just before 1 am, officers responded to Gallia Street for a report of a black SUV chasing a copper-colored vehicle.
When officers caught up with the woman in the copper vehicle she said the person following her was an ex. They were now going in different directions and she didn’t feel threatened.
Outstanding Warrants
- Police answered a call regarding a suspicious person near Kroger at 4:02 am. It turned out the woman had a warrant. Officers served a Portsmouth Municipal Court bench warrant and then released the woman.
- A traffic stop on Gallia at 5:39 am yielded another wanted person. Officers served the warrant, cited the driver for having fictitious tags, and arranged for a tow truck.
- Police answered a call to an Offnere Street Church for a report of a man in a camo hat with a yellow cart who threatened to kill the church’s receptionist. Officers discovered a warrant for the man and took him into custody.
Meanwhile at the Oasis
A woman asked police to meet her at the Oasis Convenient Mart just after 6 am. She claimed a man had assaulted her.
When officers got there, she said she didn’t want to report anything. Police noted she was intoxicated and smelled of liquor. They observed no injuries.
She claimed that she’d been at a Wayne Hills Apartment. However, she’d barred from PHMA. Police sent information about the incident to the prosecutor for a possible criminal trespass charge.
Towed Away
- Just before 8 am, officers noted an F150 with flat tires on Vinton Avenue. They arranged to have it towed.
- Officers impounded a vehicle on Highland Avenue after it violated a 72-hour parking violation at 11:24 am.
- At 11:42, they towed a vehicle from the 1800 block of Grant Street for ignoring a parking warning.
- Officers arranged to tow away a vehicle from 8th Street at 12:52 pm. Police had warned the owner about the vehicle with flat tires back on December 15. At the time, he pumped up the tires and moved the vehicle. However, the tires were flat again and the owner said it didn’t run.
Hey, That’s My Stuff!
- An 11th Street caller reported someone broke into a truck and stole tools just after 9 am. The police came across a man with warrants and took him into custody.
- Police answered a call to Notre Dame High School at 2:42 pm. Someone broke out the passenger side window and stole a swim bag, emergency kit, and some toys.
- A Robinson Avenue woman called police at 2:58 pm to report her cousin stole a wallet containing $40 in cash and personal papers.
- At 3 pm, a 17th Street caller reported that a neighbor stole money and a cell phone from her. Officers took information for a report.
- Just after 4 pm, a Russ Street man reported his door was pried open. Police took information for a report.
- A 3rd Street caller reported stolen packages at 4:17 pm.
- Police answered a call to Wayne Avenue just a minute later for a report of a burglary.
- A man called from the Park and Ride just before 6 pm to report that someone stole the catalytic converter from his vehicle.
- Officers received a report of stolen alcohol from Speedway on Gallia just before 8 pm.
Panhandling at Aldi
Just before noon, an Aldi employee asked police to please remove two brothers who frequently panhandle on Gallia from the lot.
The employee said customers are nervous after an attack on a woman by a repeat sex offender last week. Police caught up with one of the brothers and told him to leave.
A woman called police at 4:46 pm to report that a Mabert Road resident has been taking her mail for 3 years.
Identity Theft
Officers answered a call to the DESCO Main Branch at 12:48 pm. The bank reported an elderly female customer had been scammed.
All Over The Road
Police responded to 5th Street for a report of a woman driving all over the road just before 5 pm. The woman told police the sun was in her eyes.
She was driving her grandchildren for a custody exchange with their father. Police said she did not appear intoxicated. Officers said the children seemed to be well.
Police advised her to drive carefully.
Something Stupid
A man called police at 7:40 pm to report his family took all of his stuff out of his house. When officers responded to High Street, they were unable to locate him.
He called 911 again, 20 minutes later, and appeared quite angry. He’d gone to a home on 7th Street. Police went there and advised him not to abuse 911.
He told officers he planned to call again as soon as they left. He called immediately afterward and told an officer he was going to “come in here and do something stupid.”
The officer asked what exactly it was he planned to do. However, the man refused to answer. Police took him into custody and he put a hole in the wall in the booking room.
Police transported him to the Scioto County Jail.
Stranger at The Door
Police responded to Gallia Street at 7:41 pm for a report of a man in a dark hoodie pulling on doors. It turned out to be a homeless guy trying to get warm.
Officers advised him about his options.
Assaulted By Smiley
A Thomas Avenue caller reported an assault by a guy named “Smiley” just after 8:30 pm. Police took information for a report.