Portsmouth police dealt with another string of calls involving people in crisis, suspected drug use, public intoxication, and harassment at businesses and service locations along Gallia and Eighth streets.
The incidents reflect the continuing strain on local businesses, police officers, counselors, and organizations serving the homeless population.
Disturbance at Dollar General
Officers were first called to a Dollar General on Gallia Street after a caller reported that a man was blocking vehicles and striking objects outside the business.
The caller said the man appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Rather than making an immediate arrest, officers contacted the Quick Response Team. Counselors responded and assisted the man.
The report did not indicate that any criminal charges were filed.
Man Reports Homicidal and Suicidal Thoughts
Police were later called to the Eighth Street homeless shelter after a man reportedly began causing problems and yelling at people.
When an officer spoke with him, the man said he was both homicidal and suicidal.
The officer placed him in a police cruiser, notified Southern Ohio Medical Center security that they were on the way, and transported him to the hospital for help.
The report did not indicate that the man was arrested.
The call is another example of officers serving on the front line of the local mental health crisis, often transporting people to the hospital when they may be a danger to themselves or others.
Man Accused of Harassing Store Customers
Officers were also called to the Fast Stop Market on Eighth Street after a man wearing a cowboy hat and jeans was reportedly standing across the street and yelling at people.
Employees said the man had already been asked to leave the store’s property because he was harassing customers and asking them for money.
The man was gone by the time officers arrived.
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Unresponsive Man Found in Speedway Restroom
Police responded to the Speedway on Gallia Street after receiving a report of a man who was not responding inside the restroom.
After checking on him, officers cited the man for public intoxication and issued a no-trespass order banning him from the property.
Police then released him to a sober person.
The four calls are part of a continuing pattern of complaints from businesses and organizations along the Gallia Street and Eighth Street corridors involving public intoxication, suspected drug use, aggressive behavior, mental health emergencies, and people harassing customers.
In several of these cases, officers did more than enforce the law. They called counselors, arranged hospital treatment, and worked to get people in crisis into the hands of someone who could safely care for them.
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