Fear is turning into frustration at the Hisle Park Apartments, where residents say a masked man in black is terrorizing the complex for the second night in a row — and still hasn’t been caught.
Originally designed as a safe haven for young adults transitioning out of foster care, Hisle Park has become the scene of back-to-back chaos. Now, locals say they’re sleeping with one eye open.
😱 NIGHT ONE: WINDOW BREAK-IN, THEN GUNFIRE
Just before 9 p.m. on Monday, a woman called 911 in a panic. A man tried to come through her window, and she ran to grab a knife — but the stranger disappeared before she returned. Moments later, another neighbor reported the same suspicious man dressed head-to-toe in black, attempting to lift window screens before running into the woods.
Then, around 10 p.m., gunshots rang out. Officers returned and found a shell casing. A witness later spotted someone matching the suspect’s description near the Hospice Center on 25th Street. But once again, he vanished before police arrived.
😨 NIGHT TWO: HE CAME BACK
Just as residents were trying to calm their nerves, the nightmare continued.
At 11:30 p.m. the very next night, terrified tenants called 911 again. They said the same man in black — now wearing a mask — was back and knocking on their front door. But like before, he disappeared into the night before police could get there.
🏘️ A PLACE THAT SHOULD FEEL SAFE
Hisle Park was created to offer support to young adults who’ve aged out of foster care — a group already dealing with enough trauma. But for months, tenants have reported increasing violence, drug activity, and a total lack of security.
One resident summed it up:
“We came here to get on our feet — but some nights, I’m afraid to sleep.”
🚨 WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you see something off in your neighborhood, don’t brush it off.
Here’s what Portsmouth PD and community advocates recommend:
✅ Call 911 immediately — even if you’re not sure it’s serious.
✅ Secure all doors and windows, especially at night.
✅ Keep lights on around doors and porches.
✅ Share concerns with landlords and log repeated incidents.
✅ Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch.
🕵️♂️ STILL AT LARGE
Portsmouth Police continue to investigate, but so far, no arrests have been made. The big question now: How many more nights will Hisle Park residents have to live in fear before something is done?
