Portsmouth Police responded to three separate reports about a possible dead body but only one of them turned out to be an actual tragedy. Plus a boy got so angry that his mom took away his Xbox, she had to call the cops. We break down the highlights from the Portsmouth Police Chief’s Daily Report.
Bar Fight
Just after midnight, three units responded to Gallia Street for a report of a large fight in the back of Frank & Steins Lounge.
At 10:48 pm, police were back at the bar for a report of patrons arguing with an employee and refusing to leave. The subjects left before police got there.
Kids in Danger?
Police checked on the welfare of two kids, ages 11 and 13 just before noon. A caller reported they were dirty and there was no food in the house.
When they went to the home, they did notice there was a lot of trash at the back door. However, when they spoke to the mom, it appeared the children were in good shape and well taken care of.
Dune Buggy Joy Ride
A Vinton Avenue caller reported two kids driving a dune buggy on the sidewalk at 2:08 pm. When officers checked with the parents, they discovered they didn’t realize the kids had taken the vehicle for a spin.
The parents said the kids were supposed to be washing the vehicle. They told police they would discipline the kids.
Suspicious Behavior
- A River Road caller reported a woman looking into cars in the area just after 3 pm. Witnesses said she left in an SUV but they managed to get her license plate number.
- Police answered a call to Gallia Street at 8:45 pm. A witness reported a man lying on the ground behind the Silver Palace. It turned out to be a subject that police have frequent contact with. Officers took him into custody.
Angry Kid
Officers responded to a report of an angry juvenile on Robinson Avenue just after 5 pm. The kid punched a wall, kicked a camper, and knocked over a trash can.
Medics transported the troubled child to SOMC for evaluation.
Bag of Bones
A caller made a gruesome discovery at Doyle Landing just before 6 pm. He told police he found a tarp with bags of bones under it near a rock.
The tarp was located near the boat ramp by the circle, close to the wooded area where no vehicles are allowed.
Three units responded to the scene. Upon closer investigation, an officer discovered the body under the tarp was a dog.
PMHA Parking Problems
PMHA asked PPD to step up parking enforcement in Wayne Hills and officers responded. At 6 pm, they ticketed a van parked in the grass between buildings on 17th Street.
Under The Influence
A widow cleaning out her husband’s things discovered a box full of syringes and possible drugs just after 6 pm. She asked police to dispose of the items.  An officer stopped by just after 8 pm to pick up the items.
Attempted Break-In
At 9:17 am, a High Street caller reported a man attempting to get in his front door. He said the man kicked the door and he believed the guy was after money.
Police couldn’t see any damage to the door. The man didn’t want to file a police report but asked officers to note that the guy had caused a disturbance.
Gun To The Head
Police responded to 6th Street at 9:21 pm. A man reported that someone held a gun to his head at his job the night before.
Officers took information for a report.
Xbox Aggression
Police responded to a report of an aggressive juvenile at 9:24 pm. A mom asked officers to speak with her son. She said he’d acted up in anger after she took away his Xbox.
An officer spoke to the boy and advised him about the consequence of juvenile delinquency. Police also explained to the mom how she could get help from the juvenile court system.
Strange Smell Worries Neighbors
Officers responded to Hudson House for a welfare check at 10 pm. Neighbors had not seen a woman in a few days and said there was a bad smell coming from her apartment.
Police contacted the woman’s daughter. She said her mom was okay and is in Columbus.
Cry For Help
Police went looking for a missing weapon just before 11 pm. A woman said she attempted to shoot herself but the gun jammed. She no longer had the weapon.
Police searched in the area of Robinson, Grandview, Grant, and Waller. They did not find a gun.
DOA
Just after midnight, police responded to a report of a dead body at a 16th Street apartment. The caller told police he believed it to be drug-related.
Four units immediately responded to the scene and contacted the coroner. Officers impounded evidence and notified the next-of-kin.
