Portsmouth police skillfully de-escalated a tense situation at Patties and Pints on 2nd Street after a report of an intoxicated man carrying a knife inside the restaurant.
A concerned caller contacted 911 at 2:20 p.m., reporting that the man was acting strangely while holding a knife. Officers quickly arrived and assessed the situation.
Instead of resorting to force, officers determined that the man was not a threat. He had a knife in a holster but had not threatened anyone or displayed aggressive behavior. Rather than escalate the encounter, an officer made the decision to personally drive the man home, ensuring both his safety and that of the public. The man was dropped off with his sober girlfriend, preventing any further issues.
What to Do If You See an Armed Person Acting Strangely
If you ever encounter someone in public with a weapon who appears intoxicated, unstable, or potentially dangerous, follow these steps:
🔹 Stay calm and keep your distance. Avoid confrontation and do not approach the individual.
🔹 Call 911 immediately. Provide a clear description of the person, their behavior, and the weapon.
🔹 Do not assume intent. Just because someone has a weapon doesn’t mean they are dangerous, but it’s always best to let trained professionals assess the situation.
🔹 Alert others quietly. If you’re in a restaurant or public place, discreetly warn those nearby to stay aware.
🔹 Follow police instructions. Once officers arrive, let them take control and avoid interfering.
Thanks to the quick thinking and professional approach of Portsmouth officers, what could have been a volatile situation ended peacefully and safely—a reminder of the power of de-escalation and community-focused policing.
