Portsmouth Police spent their evening checking on several of the city’s homeless camps — part of a larger push to address complaints from residents and businesses. What they found shines another spotlight on how messy and complicated the homeless and addiction crisis has become in our community.
Empty Camps Across from Portsmouth Ambulance
Around 7 p.m., officers checked the camp across from Portsmouth Ambulance, a spot that’s been the source of frequent complaints from staff and patients. This time, no one was home — but the camps remain a lingering concern.
Mabert Road Camp Leads to Arrests
Just half an hour later, a caller on Mabert Road reported people in the homeless camp behind his house. He accused them of stealing from his property and described a middle-aged man in a gray jacket and a woman with him.
When officers arrived, they detained two men and one woman. Both one of the men and the woman had open warrants.
- The man was safely booked into jail.
- The woman, however, told officers she had swallowed a “large handful” of Neurontin pills before being arrested.
Because of that claim, Scioto County Jail staff refused to admit her. Despite officers trying to arrange medical help, she refused treatment and said she didn’t want to go to the hospital. Under direct order, she was released in the jail parking lot.
A Pattern of Missed Chances
Court records show this same woman pleaded guilty to drug possession last month and was sentenced to a three-year rehabilitation plan instead of prison. The conditions were clear:
- No drugs or alcohol
- Supervised treatment plan
- $40 monthly supervision fee
But with this latest incident, it’s clear those terms aren’t being met — and yet she’s still back on the streets.
The Bigger Crisis
This is more than just one arrest gone sideways. It’s a glimpse at the revolving door of homelessness, addiction, and untreated mental illness:
- Camps pop up behind homes, in alleys, or near businesses.
- Residents complain of theft, trash, or safety risks.
- Police intervene — but with limited options, many are released right back into the cycle.
Portsmouth officers are doing their best, but without more treatment facilities, housing options, and real intervention programs, these calls will keep repeating.
