We’ve been closely following the case of John Holman Jr., a troubled man with a history of trespassing at Portsmouth schools, churches, and other locations where children are present. Last week brought a hopeful development when Portsmouth Police located Holman at the Royal Inn on Friday, May 23, and took a compassionate approach to addressing his behavior.
Police Step In To Offer Help
Officers engaged Holman in a candid conversation, acknowledging his mental health struggles and military service. They served him with an official notice barring him from all Portsmouth City Schools and urged him to seek help. In a positive turn, Holman agreed. An officer coordinated services with the VA and personally escorted Holman to the New Boston VA office for assistance.
Sunday Incident Raises New Concerns
However, concerns resurfaced just two days later, on Sunday, when a caller reported spotting Holman at Alexandria Point Park. The man told dispatchers that Holman had been asking him questions about his niece and nephew and even tried to give them fireworks. Fearing something was off, he contacted police.
When officers arrived, they discovered Holman had simply been talking with various people along the riverbank. None of the individuals reported feeling threatened or alarmed. Officers concluded that while Holman’s behavior may appear strange, he wasn’t breaking any laws at that moment.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Deputy Chief Jason Hedrick previously warned the public about Holman’s troubling behavior and history, which includes criminal charges in Florida, repeated trespassing at schools, churches, and the Children’s Museum, and inappropriate behavior around children.
Yet others have stepped forward with a different perspective. Several individuals who’ve encountered Holman recently say that he seems like a “nice but confused” man, someone struggling more with mental illness and disorientation than malice.
A History of Decline
According to his former stepdaughter, Holman was once a smart businessman and former Ohio State football player. But following his wife’s death in 2016, she said, he spiraled into heavy drinking and erratic behavior—at one point even burning down a house he was renting during a dispute with a landlord. She’s unsure if he suffers from bipolar disorder but noted he’s been noticeably unstable for years.
Holman’s next court appearance for criminal trespassing is scheduled for June 24.
Balancing Compassion with Caution
While police and the community remain on high alert, this case highlights the complex tension between public safety and mental health advocacy. Holman’s outreach to the VA may mark a turning point—but it’s clear that ongoing support, supervision, and compassion are crucial to ensuring both his safety and the safety of others.
