In Portsmouth, police officers and paramedics aren’t just fighting crime—they’re stepping in as lifelines for kids caught in family turmoil and personal crisis.
🏠 Domestic Trouble Turns Into Emotional Emergency
Officers were first called to a Portsmouth home after a teen reported being beaten by their father for wanting to go live with their mother. The teen claimed the father struck them in the head and face, though police saw no visible injuries.
👨👧 The father admitted to backhanding the child, saying it was in response to backtalk. Other witnesses backed up his account. Officers notified Children’s Services and tried to de-escalate the situation, advising the child on how to stay safe and defuse tension.
But the story didn’t end there.
📞 A few hours later, officers were called back to the same home after the teen suffered what was described as a mental health crisis. EMS transported the teen to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment.
🥊 11 and 15-Year-Olds in Custody After Fight
Just after 8:30 p.m., officers responded to another call—this time involving a brawl between two kids, ages 11 and 15. When officers arrived, one child was in such distress they called an ambulance and CPS.
Ultimately, one of the children was taken into custody, brought to the police station for booking, and then released about an hour later to a family member.
💬 First Responders: More Than Just Badges
These back-to-back calls paint a clear picture:
🚨 First responders are often the first to step in when kids are in crisis.
👩⚕️ They’re calling for medics, contacting CPS, calming situations, and connecting families with services.
👮♂️ Sometimes they arrest. Sometimes they advise. Always, they’re showing up.
Whether it’s breaking up fights, transporting children to hospitals, or navigating domestic tension, Portsmouth’s police and paramedics are on the front lines of the youth mental health and family crisis epidemic.
💡 If you or someone you know is a child in crisis, don’t wait.
- Call 911 if it’s urgent.
- Contact Scioto County Children’s Services
- Or reach out to local youth support and crisis intervention services
Because help isn’t just out there—it’s already pulling into the driveway.
