Officers were called to the intersection of Robinson Avenue and Clay Street after reports that an elderly man kept slipping on the ice, struggling to pull himself back up while grabbing onto a nearby pole.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the man, who told them he was homeless and had just been released from jail. He said he didn’t need medical help—he was simply having trouble keeping his footing on the snow-covered sidewalk.
Police documented the call and made sure he was okay before clearing the scene.
A Tough Reality in Freezing Weather
Court records show the man had been arrested on drug-related charges twice in January. He was convicted on January 28 and sentenced to three years of probation and 180 days in jail, with 175 days suspended—meaning he served only a few days before being released.
Now, just days later, he’s back outside in winter conditions.
It’s a situation officers see far too often: people cycling through the system, released with probation terms but no housing, no transportation, and nowhere warm to go—especially dangerous during icy weather.
A Winter Reminder for the Community
❄️ Ice-covered sidewalks turn simple walks into medical emergencies
❄️ Recently released individuals often have no immediate support network
❄️ Homeless residents face life-threatening exposure even when they “don’t want help”
What You Can Do
- Clear sidewalks when possible
- Check on neighbors during freezes
- Call for welfare checks if you see someone struggling in the cold
For this man, it wasn’t a crime call—it was a stark snapshot of what happens when someone leaves jail and walks straight back into winter, probation papers in hand, and ice under their feet.