PORTSMOUTH, OH — Within hours, police were called to deal with the same woman twice — a familiar pattern officers say reflects a larger, ongoing mental health crisis playing out on the streets.
Just before midnight, officers were called to a home on 7th Street after a resident asked for help dealing with a woman she had been trying to help.
The homeowner told police she had allowed the woman — described as someone officers have frequent prior contact with — to stay with her, but things had escalated.
She said the woman had become aggressive and attempted to shove her before leaving the home, pushing a shopping cart west on 7th Street.
Officers advised the homeowner to call back if the woman returned and caused further problems.
🛒 Back Again by Morning
Just hours later, around 6:30 a.m., police were called again — this time to Kroger, where employees reported the same woman was harassing people in the parking lot.
Witnesses said she then followed a man walking his dog into Tracy Park.
Officers located the woman and advised her to leave the area.
⚠️ A Cycle That Keeps Repeating
Police say the woman is in the midst of an ongoing mental health crisis and has had numerous prior encounters and arrests, yet continues to cycle back onto the streets.
In many cases like this, officers are limited in what they can do unless:
- A serious crime occurs
- The individual agrees to treatment
- Or specific legal criteria for intervention are met
That often leads to a frustrating reality for everyone involved:
- Residents trying to help
- Businesses dealing with repeated disturbances
- Officers responding to the same calls
❗ The Bigger Issue
This case is another example of a growing challenge in Portsmouth:
People in crisis repeatedly coming into contact with police — but not getting long-term help.
Until that gap is addressed, situations like this are likely to continue…
One call at a time.