What began as a report of domestic violence ended with Children’s Services removing two children from a home after officers described the living conditions as some of the worst they had encountered.
A Portsmouth police officer was flagged down on Lincoln Street by a woman concerned about her daughter.
The woman told police her daughter had reported a domestic dispute involving her husband earlier in the day.
🚔 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLAIM INVESTIGATED
Officers entered the residence and spoke with the woman, who initially said her husband had struck her.
Police then interviewed the husband, who denied hitting her and said he had an audio recording of the argument.
According to the report, officers listened to the recording and did not hear evidence of a physical altercation.
Other officers continued speaking with the woman outside the home.
She later told police that no physical assault had occurred and that the argument involved her husband flipping over a table in a bedroom.
Because there was no evidence of a physical assault and the alleged victim ultimately stated she had not been struck, no criminal charges were filed.
⚠️ OFFICERS DISCOVER SHOCKING CONDITIONS
While investigating the domestic complaint, officers observed conditions inside the residence that immediately raised concerns.
According to the report, the home had a strong odor of animal urine and feces.
Police reported seeing multiple animals inside, including two dogs and three cats.
The carpeting was described as heavily soiled and sticky underfoot.
The officer noted the home was covered in filth.
👶 TWO CHILDREN INSIDE THE HOME
Officers discovered two children living in the residence.
One child belonged to both adults involved in the dispute, while the second child was the biological child of the mother.
Because of the condition of the home, officers contacted Children’s Services.
CPS RESPONDS
Children’s Services workers responded to the scene and conducted their own investigation.
After evaluating the situation, CPS determined both children would be removed from the residence.
Police remained on scene while the process unfolded.
🏠 THE REAL STORY WASN’T THE ARGUMENT
The call began as a possible domestic violence investigation.
But by the time officers finished their work, the focus had shifted entirely.
No domestic violence charges were filed.
Instead, the most significant outcome was the removal of two children from a home authorities believed was unsafe.
📋 A REMINDER ABOUT REPORTING CONCERNS
Child welfare cases can begin in unexpected ways.
In this case, a family dispute brought officers to the residence.
Once there, investigators encountered conditions that led to intervention by Children’s Services.
As with all child welfare matters, decisions regarding custody and placement are handled by CPS and the juvenile court system, not law enforcement.