A chaotic morning on Bonser Avenue ended with one man in handcuffs and a mother desperate to get her kids ready for the last remaining days of school after police say she was shoved out of her own home and locked out.
Around 7 a.m., the woman called 911, telling officers that Karl Meincke had forced her out of the house and locked the door behind her—leaving her unable to reach her children during the morning rush.
Police responded swiftly and placed Meincke under arrest, charging him with domestic violence. He was booked into the Scioto County Jail, but Portsmouth Municipal Court released him on his own recognizance after issuing a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and scheduling a pre-trial hearing for June 17.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder: Domestic conflict can turn dangerous quickly, especially when children are involved. If you or someone you know is dealing with a volatile situation at home, don’t wait until it escalates—get help.
What to do if you’re in a similar situation:
- Call 911 immediately if you feel unsafe.
- Have a safety plan that includes a trusted friend or relative you can contact.
- Document incidents (photos, texts, voicemails) whenever possible.
- Reach out to local resources, like domestic violence shelters or hotlines, for support and advice.
Help is available, and no one should have to choose between safety and caring for their children.