A terrifying scene unfolded in a West Portsmouth home when a man returned to find his girlfriend unresponsive and behaving erratically in a bedroom with their 2-year-old child nearby. Thanks to the quick response of law enforcement and EMS, a potential tragedy was averted.
Deputies responded immediately after the man called 911, fearing his girlfriend was high on drugs and possibly overdosing. When officers arrived, they found a deeply unsettling scene.
🛏️ Naked, Unresponsive, and Confused
Inside the home, deputies discovered a woman lying naked and unresponsive in a bedroom. She was breathing, but uncooperative and appeared disoriented. When she did respond, it was in slurred, incoherent speech. Officers provided a blanket and robe to help preserve her dignity, but she refused to keep them on.
As the situation worsened, Portsmouth EMS arrived to assist. But attempts to help were met with resistance: She reportedly kicked and attempted to strike EMTs who tried to dress her for transport. Officers were forced to briefly restrain her in handcuffs for the safety of the medics and the woman herself.
🏥 Transported for Treatment — Not Jail
Despite the chaos, officers made it clear: this was a rescue, not an arrest. “We’re not taking her to jail. We’re trying to get her the help she needs,” one deputy told the woman’s concerned mother, who arrived at the scene mid-incident.
She was eventually stabilized enough to be transported by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. No charges will be pursued at this time.
👶 Protecting the Child
With the mother en route to the hospital and the father not holding legal custody, officers contacted Scioto County Children Services. The child was released to a trusted family member — the grandmother — a decision approved by CPS.
🙌 Officers Praised for Compassion and Control
Responding deputies showed compassion, patience, and professionalism while handling a chaotic and potentially dangerous situation. They not only protected the child but also showed dignity and restraint in dealing with a distressed woman who needed medical and mental health assistance.
❗What To Do If Someone You Love Is In Crisis:
- Call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive, incoherent, or behaving erratically.
- Do not attempt to physically control them alone, especially if children are present.
- Inform first responders about any drug use, mental health history, or medications.
- If children are involved, be prepared to work with CPS to ensure their safety and care.
This incident is a powerful reminder that addiction and mental health crises don’t just affect individuals — they impact entire families. But with trained professionals and a community willing to step in, lives can be saved — and healing can begin.
