Portsmouth Police officers were called to two tense family situations in a single day, both involving children caught in the middle of adult conflicts. Thanks to fast action from law enforcement and support agencies, both cases ended without violence—and with kids safe.
👮 Michigan Avenue Standoff
Around 1:30 p.m., officers responded to a family disturbance on Michigan Avenue, just off Coles Blvd. Relatives wanted a homeless man to leave the property, but they insisted his children stay behind. The man refused, saying he wouldn’t walk away without them.
Police called in Children’s Protective Services (CPS) and the Quick Response Drug Intervention Team to help. Working together, they calmed the situation. The man ultimately agreed to enter drug treatment, and CPS took custody of the children to ensure their safety.
Authorities also noted there were allegations of other offenses involving the man, but those fell under the jurisdiction of the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
👮 Second Call, Same Theme: Children at Risk
Later that day, officers dealt with another child-related crisis when a woman on probation caused a disturbance. She demanded to take her child with her, even though custody had been granted to the grandparents.
Police intervened, warning her about the legal consequences if she attempted to remove the child without permission. They also explained to the family how to file a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) to safeguard the situation. The woman eventually left without incident.
👏 Teamwork That Matters
Both cases show how children can be caught in dangerous situations when addiction, custody disputes, or probation violations collide. Officers, CPS, and intervention teams worked quickly to protect the children involved while de-escalating volatile situations.