Portsmouth Police put out a call for help asking the public to keep an eye out for a missing homeless man, 54-year-old Robert Chandler.
Chandler, described as 5’11”, about 185 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, was last seen around November 5 in the 1000 block of 16th Street.
Police noted that he’s been known to frequent Tracy Park, a downtown hotspot for both public recreation and growing homelessness.
Social media lit up with tips and concern. One commenter said, “If this is the man that walks with a limp, he was at CVS on 11th. I bought him some snacks and water last week.” Others reported seeing him at McDonald’s or Kroger, often holding a sign asking for food.
A few hours after the initial alert, a woman claimed online that Chandler had been located safe in a local rehab facility—though as of press time, police hadn’t made an official confirmation.
A Familiar Face and a Familiar Problem
Chandler’s name may ring a bell. Just last week, he made headlines after being arrested in Tracy Park for a disturbing incident involving a lewd act and drug paraphernalia. Some witnesses later said he was simply relieving himself in public—something police and residents say has become a persistent issue at the park.
Court records show Chandler was arrested for public indecency and released on his own recognizance, despite facing multiple recent charges including disorderly conduct and assault. He’s due back in court December 9.
A Park at the Breaking Point
Tracy Park has become a kind of ground zero for the city’s intertwined struggles with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. In just the past few weeks:
- Police were called after a man reportedly defecated on the park’s stage, leading to a fight.
- Repeated calls have involved public intoxication, drug use, and aggressive behavior.
- Mentally ill individuals, often well-known to police, refuse help only to return within days.
Officers say they do their best to connect people with services, but with few resources and a revolving court system, many of the same names—and faces—show up again and again.
More Than a Missing Person
Chandler’s disappearance may have been brief, but his story is anything but isolated. It’s another reminder that Portsmouth’s homeless problem isn’t just about shelter—it’s about survival, addiction, and mental health.
For now, many hope the online chatter is right—that Robert Chandler is safe, finally off the streets, and getting the help he needs.