Officers continue to deal with chaos centered on homeless camps. Yet, city officials refuse to take any permanent action.
Just after 9 am, a 2nd Street caller reported a homeless man was sleeping in the nearby woods who screamed all the time, disturbing neighbors.
Portsmouth City Code Enforcement arrived to help clear the scene, and the health department was brought in to investigate multiple safety hazards. Animal control was summoned to handle pets at the scene. Officers discovered the homeless man had an open warrant and took him into custody.
Officers returned to the homeless camp at 12:30 pm when a caller reported a woman was causing a disturbance. When police arrived on the scene, they learned she had an open warrant from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. Police arrested Mary Pasturzak on a drug possession warrant.
Officers detained multiple homeless individuals at a homeless camp behind Bob & Floyd’s Tire after the wounded suspect in an armed robbery fled to the area. One person was ]transported to the hospital, and officers impounded multiple items. Police released most of the individuals without charges.
Despite the continuing issues arising from homeless campsites around town, officials say their hands are tied when dealing with the problem.
Publisher’s Note: City leaders cite different reasons for their inaction on the subject of panhandling and homeless camps. The prevailing talking point is that homelessness is a growing problem around the entire country. That is a non-answer and a copout. Portsmouth City Leaders are charged with dealing with Portsmouth’s problems.
There are already laws and ordinances on the books that need to be enforced. They must support the police and local justice system in enforcing those laws. Instead, they’re too busy fighting over Municipal Judgeships and calling the FBI on them. Prioritize the citizens and visitors to the city and the University.
