A routine traffic stop on 12th Street spiraled into something much bigger when officers pulled over a woman for failing to stay in her lane — and discovered much more than a bad turn signal.
The driver, identified as Emily Beltz, was allegedly driving on an expired license and had a toddler in the car without a proper child safety seat. That alone earned her citations — but a deeper check revealed open warrants tied to a previous incident.
📞 Officers allowed her to call a licensed driver to pick up the child, but Children’s Services ultimately took custody of the toddler.
Beltz was booked into the Scioto County Jail on charges of endangering children and obstructing official business, stemming from a July 16 incident. She’s now been released on her own recognizance and is expected back in Portsmouth Municipal Court on August 19.
⚖️ Why Showing Up for Court Matters — Even If It’s “Just a Ticket”:
- 📆 Open warrants don’t disappear. Ignoring a court date can turn a small citation into an arrest — often when you least expect it.
- 👶 Child safety violations are serious. Improper car seats can lead to charges like endangering children — especially if other offenses are involved.
- 🚔 Obstruction charges aren’t just about running. Giving false info, refusing to cooperate, or skipping court can all land you extra charges.
- 🧾 Handle tickets early. You might be able to fix expired licenses or seat issues with fines or proof — but only if you deal with it before you’re pulled over again.
Remember: the courtroom is a lot better than the backseat of a squad car. Don’t dodge your court date — face it, fix it, and move forward.
