What started as a call about a threat turned into a rescue mission at Alexandria House, as Portsmouth Police, medics, and mental health professionals worked together to help a woman in crisis — showing once again how first responders have become the front line in the community’s mental health battle.
“She Threatened to Kill Me”
Officers were called to the building after a resident reported that another woman threatened to kill her while she was simply taking out her trash.
When police arrived, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a neighbor dispute — it was a mental health emergency.
Responders Go Beyond the Call
Officers contacted a local mental health clinic, which immediately dispatched a crisis worker to the scene.
Portsmouth Ambulance also responded, and medics stood by as officers spoke calmly with the woman, convincing her to accept help. She agreed to let officers speak with her doctor, a critical step in connecting her to care.
While assisting, officers noticed the apartment was in severe disrepair, prompting code enforcement to condemn the unit for safety reasons. The woman was then transported to the hospital for treatment and evaluation.