The Oasis Convenient Mart on 17th Street turned into a hotspot for police calls Thursday morning — first for a wanted man, then for a woman in crisis.
Warrant Served Before Lunch
Just before 11 a.m., Portsmouth Police showed up at the carryout looking for a man with an open warrant.
They didn’t have to look long — officers spotted him right away, took him into custody for a probation violation, and booked him into the Scioto County Jail.
Four Days, One Parking Lot
But the calm didn’t last. Around noon, officers were called back to the same spot after employees reported a woman who had been sitting in the lot for four days, yelling at passersby.
When officers arrived, they determined the woman was experiencing mental health issues. She wasn’t a threat to anyone, so police simply advised her to keep it down and checked back later to make sure she was okay.
The Bigger Picture
Spots like gas stations and carryouts often become unofficial gathering places for people who are homeless, struggling, or waiting on rides — which can lead to frequent calls for help.
Experts encourage business owners and residents alike to call before things escalate and to remember that not every disturbance is criminal — sometimes it’s a cry for help.
