Repeated Mental Health Calls Keep Portsmouth Officers Busy

It was a long and emotionally charged stretch for Portsmouth Police Department officers, who responded to several separate mental health-related calls across the city — with some situations requiring multiple visits before people finally agreed to get help. Domestic Dispute Turns into Mental Health Concern Just after 12:30 p.m., officers were called to a Portsmouth residence after a woman reported her husband had hidden her phone. The husband denied taking it, while the woman admitted she had locked him out of the house and claimed he threw shoes at her. Officers noted there was a lot of yelling, but no physical injuries and no direct threats were made. The husband told police his wife had recently been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. No one wanted to file a report. Officers encouraged the pair to separate for a while to cool off, and the husband left the home. The woman declined to pursue charges and was uncooperative with officers attempting to help locate her phone. Calls Begin at McDonald’s — End at the Hospital At 12:52 p.m., officers were called to the McDonald’s after reports of a man who believed someone was trying to harm or poison him. He was sitting outside in a black Ford Edge. Police said the man was aware of his surroundings and understood what was happening. At that point, officers did not have grounds to involuntarily commit him. He agreed to speak with his counselor, and his mother agreed to transport him. Seven hours later, officers were back at the same McDonald’s after reports that the man was now threatening to harm himself. When officers spoke with him, he denied having suicidal thoughts and said he didn’t need assistance. But the night wasn’t over. At 3:25 a.m., officers were called to 17th and Summit after the same man was reported flagging down passing cars. Police located him near 17th and Grandview and contacted a mental health facility, which agreed to involuntarily commit him. Officers said the man appeared altered and transported him to the hospital. Once there, the situation escalated. Police report the man assaulted officers, injuring two. He ultimately had to be physically restrained before being admitted for treatment. Separate Self-Harm Call Also Ends at SOMC In another unrelated incident, officers were called to a Portsmouth home around 12:19 a.m. after reports that a man had threatened to harm himself. When officers arrived, the man denied making any threats, leaving police with no legal grounds to act. Just over an hour later, at 1:21 a.m., officers were called back to the same residence for renewed concerns of self-harm. After speaking with police, the man agreed to be evaluated and was transported by an officer to Southern Ohio Medical Center. Why These Calls Matter Police say these situations highlight how complicated mental health crises can be — and how often it takes repeated contacts before someone is willing or legally able to receive help. Officers are limited by law in what they can do unless a person is an immediate danger to themselves or others. In many cases, they can only encourage treatment and wait until clearer signs of crisis appear. If you or someone you love is struggling, reaching out early — to a counselor, doctor, or crisis line — can help prevent situations from escalating to flashing lights, hospital restraints, or injured first responders. SCDN will continue following local public safety calls and bringing you what’s happening on Portsmouth streets — even when the stories are tough.

Related Content

Ohio AG Urges Parents to Activate Instagram Alerts as New Teen Self-Harm Search Warnings Roll Out

Parolee Uber Driver Accused of Stealing Thousands