Police increase patrols at Emporium Restaurant since shooting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It's been a little over a week since a 16-year-old Riley High School student was shot outside the Emporium restaurant in downtown South Bend.

Now, with a new housing development on the way, there is hope it will finally cut down on the rowdy crowds and crime.

For the second time this week, police have been called to the vacant parking lots around the Emporium restaurant for noise complaints.

For the past three years rowdy, late-night crowds gathering in the empty parking lots around the restaurant, has been a big problem, according to Emporium general manager Shawn Dickens.

"After 11 we'll get a loud crowd down here, a young crowd. I would say all under 30, loud music, a lot or running around and horse play going on," said Dickens.

Dickens said nearby parks, like Howard Park, located just across the street, bring a lot of people to the area.

However, it's the crimes following these late-night groups that has him keeping an eye out. "I'm more worried about our managers and employees who are leaving late at night".

It's been just over a week since Sentail Holt, 16, and a 17-year-old boy were shot in the adjacent parking lot and already Dickens said he is seeing police step up their patrols.

"They have expressed a little bit more concern. I have seen a lot more officers down here during the day on their bicycles and a lot more at night. There has been a very heavy presence at night".