He just wanted his stuff back — but a late-night meet-up on 7th Street ended with cuffs, charges, and a trip to the ER.
Just before midnight, Raymond Hartmann called Portsmouth Police saying he needed help collecting his belongings from a 7th Street residence. He even arranged to meet officers near “the blue store” on Adams Street in a grey van.
🚓 Officers escorted Hartmann to the home, watched as he gathered his possessions, and made it clear: he could not return — he was surrendering all rights to the property. But instead of a quiet exit, things went south fast.
Witnesses say Hartmann and a woman kept exchanging heated words. Officers told him to leave, but he kept pushing back — until, according to police, he assaulted an officer.
That move earned him a ride to the Scioto County Jail — or at least it would have, if the jail hadn’t refused him. Instead, cops diverted to Southern Ohio Medical Center to get him checked out before finally booking him on:
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest
- Assault
- Aggravated menacing
💡 How NOT to Get Arrested When Picking Up Your Stuff:
- 🕊️ Keep it calm. Emotional exits are normal, but keep your cool — especially when police are there to help.
- 🚪 Take the deal. If you agree you’re done with the property, don’t go back, don’t argue, don’t linger.
- 🗣️ Avoid verbal sparring. Trading insults with ex-roommates, partners, or family in front of cops never ends well.
- 👮 Don’t touch an officer — ever. Even a shove can mean assault charges.
- 🏃 Leave promptly. The faster you go, the less chance for trouble.
Because if your plan is to pick up your stuff and move on, you don’t want to end up picking out a cell in county jail instead.
