🚨 “Repeat Panhandler Busted Again—But Released Again” 🚨 

If you’ve been to Kroger on Gay Street recently, chances are you’ve run into him: Eric Froe, the man who just won’t take “no”—or a trespass warning—for an answer. 

Despite being barred from Kroger property, Froe has returned again and again to panhandle outside the store and harass customers. This past week alone, police were called at least six separate times in just four days. Each time? Same location. Same green shirt. Same story. 

But this situation isn’t just about one man—it’s a window into the larger issue of aggressive panhandling that continues to plague Portsmouth’s businesses and customers, especially around high-traffic spots like Kroger, Aldi, Speedway, and the Scioto Ribber. 

👀 The Eric Froe Timeline (Just This Week) 

• Thursday, 7:40 PM: Seen outside Kroger asking for money. 

• Friday, Noon: Again on the property near the produce section—gone before police arrived. 

• Sunday, 11:23 AM, 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM: Three separate complaints in one day. Police repeatedly advised him to leave. 

• Monday, 1:00 PM: Back again, now wearing green scrubs. Still panhandling. 

By Monday evening, Froe was finally arrested on two charges of criminal trespass and taken to the Scioto County Jail. But on Tuesday, he was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court July 1. 

This is hardly his first rodeo. Froe has racked up seven criminal trespass cases just this year. In fact, he’s been a frequent flyer at Portsmouth Municipal Court, with at least 40 appearances. His rap sheet spans drug charges, theft, assault, forgery, and more. While a 2002 robbery conviction was overturned, his criminal record is as thick as a phone book. 

🛑 Not an Isolated Incident 

Unfortunately, Froe’s behavior is far from unique. 

Just a few years ago, Portsmouth Police issued a public warning to Gallia Street shoppers—particularly women—about aggressive panhandlers targeting them. Complaints poured in from Kroger, Aldi, and Speedway about men harassing customers and hanging around properties from which they’d been banned. One woman was reportedly attacked in a parking lot. 

Even corporate security from Speedway got involved, calling police and demanding action after realizing just how often officers respond to loitering, harassment, and trespassing complaints. 

Please Support This Local Business

So, what’s the problem? 

Police say the cycle is hard to break: A panhandler is arrested, taken to jail, released on bond, and then walks right back to the same storefront to start again. Officers can issue trespass warnings, but unless jail time or real consequences stick, there’s little incentive to stop. 

❤️ How You Can Help Without Encouraging Panhandling 

We know many folks want to help those who appear to be in need—but giving cash directly to panhandlers may fuel repeat behavior and in some cases, support dangerous addictions. 

Here are positive ways to lend a hand: 

✅ Donate to Local Shelters or Outreach Programs – Like the Scioto County Homeless Shelter or The Counseling Center.
✅ Keep Blessing Bags in your car – Fill them with socks, snacks, toiletries, or a list of local resources.
✅ Support Local Food Banks – Your donation could feed multiple people in need.
✅ Call 911 if Someone Is Harassing or Threatening – Especially if you feel unsafe.
✅ Be Compassionate, But Firm – A kind “No, I can’t help with cash” goes a long way. 

🗣️ The Bottom Line 

As Eric Froe’s latest saga shows, Portsmouth has a persistent problem, and it’s not just about loitering—it’s about public safety, store security, and the challenge of balancing compassion with enforcement. 

Until real solutions are implemented—whether through the courts, addiction treatment, or supportive housing—Portsmouth’s shoppers may continue to face uncomfortable and potentially unsafe situations. 

We’ll keep following the story. Stay alert, stay safe, and stay informed.