A Garfield neighborhood resident told the Elkhart Common Council on Tuesday that the area has experienced repeated gunfire, property damage and large late‑night gatherings, and he urged a stronger, sustained police response.

Steven L. Robinson Sr., who gave his address as 513 West Garfield Avenue, described a series of incidents beginning with shots fired the previous Friday. He said a man walking his dog was beaten near Prairie and Harold and later returned with a gun; in a separate incident, he told the council, "They shot at my dog." Robinson said he called police repeatedly during a large gathering at the Applewhite property, which he said drew "2 to 300 people," and reported that officers came with multiple vehicles around 11:30 p.m. but left while the gathering continued.

Robinson described multiple calls to dispatch and said the party did not disperse after the initial police presence. He said the group vandalized property and that his home and vehicles have been shot at on multiple occasions; he asked the council and police for an action plan to protect residents. "We need conclusions. Otherwise I'm not sure why they're calling me from other districts," Councilman David (as recorded) said earlier while relaying constituent concerns. Council members responded during council floor discussion by advising callers to contact their district council representative and by noting the need to collect names and addresses to follow up.

No formal council action was taken in response to Robinson's public comment during the meeting. Council members directed that individual constituent concerns be routed to the appropriate district representative and suggested direct contact to allow staff and council members to follow up; one council member said he would check patrol coverage in the area. Police and permit enforcement practices, including the specific curfew or permit limits for private gatherings, were discussed only in the context of Robinson's account; no city ordinance change or policy directive was made during the meeting.

Robinson expressed frustration with what he described as insufficient follow‑through after repeated incidents and asked for a visible, continued police presence. Council members encouraged callers to provide names and addresses so staff and council can investigate and respond to individual complaints.