A teen’s late-night story didn’t quite hold up when Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a confusing 911 call from a boy claiming he’d run all the way from Portsmouth to McDermott after a fight.
But there was one big problem: his phone pinged in Franklin Furnace, nowhere near either location. Lawrence County 911 flagged the odd location discrepancy, and Scioto County deputies headed to the address.
When officers arrived, they found the teen complaining of back pain and appearing to be under the influence of drugs. He asked for an ambulance, and medics were dispatched to check him out.
Deputies attempted to reach the boy’s parents using several phone numbers he gave — but none of them worked. Eventually, an officer gave the teen a ride and returned him to his parents, deciding not to file a formal report.
🧠 Tips for Keeping Tabs on Teens
Whether they’re stretching the truth or caught in a dangerous situation, teens need guidance — and sometimes, intervention. Here’s how to keep a better eye on the kids in your life:
👀 Know their friends and hangouts. Teens who feel monitored are less likely to engage in risky behavior.
📱 Use parental controls. Modern phones allow for location tracking and screen time limits.
📞 Make sure you can be reached. Always ensure your teen has a working number for you — and vice versa.
🚔 If things get weird, don’t hesitate to call for help. Deputies would rather check on a situation than respond too late.
🧾 Consider drug education and support. If you suspect substance use, talk to a counselor or look into local intervention programs.
This story could have ended very differently — and it’s a reminder that when teens go off-script, adults need to stay alert.
