A Carlyle Avenue homeowner says he ran off the same stranger multiple times in one night—only for the man to return again and again, at one point claiming his wife was inside the house.
The bizarre encounters began overnight, when the man reportedly showed up at the home three separate times. By morning, he returned once more, this time to apologize. Later in the day, the homeowner discovered the man’s bicycle hidden behind his house and feared the stranger was back.
Concerns Mount
The resident told deputies the man appeared to be under the impression his wife was at the home, even though that wasn’t true. He also worried the stranger could be dangerous, saying he’d heard rumors the man might have stolen a gun, though he wasn’t sure if the rumor was accurate.
To add to the confusion, the man kept changing clothes throughout the day—sometimes in a white shirt, other times in completely different outfits—leading the resident to suspect drugs or mental illness were involved.
Deputies Step In
Scioto County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 9:30 p.m., moved the man’s bicycle to the roadside, and searched the property. Half an hour later, the homeowner called again to report the man was back and arguing with him.
When deputies arrived, the man bolted, jumping a fence and leaving his dog behind. Officers quickly caught up with him and called for an ambulance, noting he appeared to be either under the influence or in the midst of a mental health crisis.
The man was officially trespassed from the property. Deputies say situations like this are becoming more common, as law enforcement ends up on the front line of the community’s addiction and mental health struggles.
While this encounter ended without violence, officers were praised for their caution, quick response, and compassion in handling a confused man who clearly needed help.
