Two unrelated domestic violence calls ended with women in handcuffs — and both walking out of court with temporary protection orders (TPOs) against them.
📍 18th Street Standoff
Around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, a man called 911 from 18th Street claiming Phyllis Niner Blanton was assaulting him. Minutes later, Blanton herself called in a frantic state, saying she was bleeding after being attacked by the same man. She couldn’t decide if she wanted EMS, but when officers arrived, they decided she was the one going to jail — on a domestic violence charge.
She was booked into the Scioto County Jail, appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court, and was released on her own recognizance with a TPO in place. Her preliminary hearing was set for August 14.
📍 Teen Trouble Turns Into Arrest
That evening, just after 6:30 p.m., a mom called police reporting that her teenage son was being aggressive and screaming in her face. But when officers arrived, they took Brooke Sappington into custody instead, charging her with domestic violence.
She, too, was released from jail after court issued a TPO. Her pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 3.
⚠️ The Takeaway: Domestic Disputes Can Turn Into Arrests Fast
Police don’t always arrest the person who calls 911 — they arrest the person they believe is the aggressor.
If tensions are high at home:
- Separate immediately — give each other space before things turn physical.
- Call for help early — if an argument is escalating, involve law enforcement before it gets violent.
- Document incidents — photos, texts, and witness statements can protect you later.
- Know that arrests are likely — in Ohio, police must make an arrest in certain domestic violence cases.
Because once the cuffs come out, your next stop is court — whether you were the one who dialed 911 or not.