A chaotic scene unfolded at the Walmart in New Boston on Friday evening as officers were handling a theft incident inside the store.
At around 6 pm, New Boston police were attempting to detain two female suspects involved in the theft when an unexpected overdose call diverted their attention.
While the police were in the process of apprehending the suspected thieves, a crowd started to gather outside the store. It was soon discovered that an individual was experiencing an overdose. Quick to respond, EMT Ohio provided immediate aid to the woman, while onlookers continued to grow.
The ambulance transported the patient to Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) for further medical attention. With the overdose victim on her way to the hospital, officers turned their focus back to the theft incident.
Here are the radio communications from emergency workers.
To get this powerful online tool, use this link https://tinyurl.com/SCDNSCANNER
New Boston police successfully apprehended the two female suspects involved in the theft. Jenessa Rich, 39, and Sara Howard, 41, were taken into custody.
This was not Howard’s first brush with the law, having been arrested multiple times for burglary, probation violations, and forgery in the past.
Likewise, Rich had been arrested just six months ago for a parole violation, serving a brief stint of 6 days at the Scioto County Jail.
New Boston police opted to issue both suspects summons to appear in court and released them pending their court dates.
The incident highlights the challenging nature of law enforcement duties, where officers must swiftly shift their focus to address unexpected emergencies even as they handle ongoing investigations.