Residents take stand against gun violence

SANDUSKY — Following a recent rash of shootings in Sandusky, which included the latest incident leaving one man dead and another in critical condition from earlier this month, some residents want immediate action taken. And they need the city's help. Before Monday's city commission meeting ended, officeholder Richard Koonce referenced the rise in gun-related violence happening in the local area. "I remember a time you didn't hear about a homicide for years," said an impassioned Koonce, who said he knew Markier "Mark" S. Castile, 24, who died in the Aug. 16 double-shooting incident. As of today, no suspect has been publicly identified by authorities. Two residents followed Koonce's comments during a public participation portion of the meeting. 'Something truly has to be done' Kozetta Pool, a local entrepreneur, first talked to commissioners. "I am concerned about the increase in gun violence in our town and the harm that it is causing our residents, families and neighborhoods," said Pool, who, in August 2025, hosted a gun violence awareness meeting in response to a fatal shooting in Fremont. Pool sought clarity from commissioners on several items, including: • "Who has the primary responsibility for coordinating the city's response to the increased gun violence?" • Are these officials "working together with other agencies here or in the surrounding areas to come up with a strategy to reduce gun violence?" • "What specific actions are currently underway to prevent shootings, intervening with people at a greater risk, supporting the victims and improving public safety?" • "What can we do, as a community — especially people from the most affected neighborhoods — to help reduce gun violence?" • "Is there an anonymous gun return program that is here in the city where people can take guns if they find them from their children, who aren't supposed to have them in the first place, and take them somewhere to return them to the police department?" The questions went unanswered. Commissioners typically don't respond to questions from people during this portion of the meeting; however, they do follow up with them in a timely manner after gathering information. "I know we don't have the answers right now," Pool said. "But, as a concerned citizen but also who had a child who was shot many, many years ago — thank God he survived — I would like to do my part to help in getting an initiative started because, right now, something truly has to be done." Stepping up for a solution Itai Yancey, who previously worked for the city's recreation department and still volunteers, then spoke to commissioners. Yancey, also 24, personally knew Castile, as they attended school and graduated from Sandusky High School together. While he appreciates the older commissioners listening and being willing to take action on this issue, those from the younger generation must also do their part. Yancey suggested he himself could help lead a change. "What I would like to do is actually participate and volunteer myself to help out, within those actions that are moving forward, to try and bring the violence down within the city and try to bring more of us together," Yancey said. "It's sad when we have situations like what is happening" with gun violence, Yancey said. "It's honestly really sad to see and sad to even hear about when families, who are connected, are bickering and fighting, which leads to potentially more violence and more problems within our city." Yancey ended his comments doubling down on his eagerness to assist in any way possible. "I am willing to help," Yancey said. City leaders respond After Pool and Yancey made their comments, the Register sought clarity on the city's overall stance on tackling gun violence from the two leading decision-makers on this matter: police Chief Jared Oliver and ex officio mayor Kate Vargo. "The city takes concerns regarding gun violence seriously," Oliver stressed. "With the support of the city commission and city manager, we remain in communication with the Erie County prosecutor's office and continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to address public safety concerns," he said. Oliver then emphasized the importance of community relations. "We are always willing to meet with residents, listen to concerns and receive input," Oliver said. "I look forward to meeting with Ms. Pool and other members of the community to discuss this issue and identify additional solutions. Strong community partnerships are critical to making Sandusky a safer place for everyone." People can reach Oliver by emailing joliver@cityofsandusky.com. Vargo added that commissioners fully support Oliver and his department. But, to properly focus on gun violence issues, more must be done, she said. "Addressing violence takes more than enforcement alone," Vargo said. "We have to look at the circumstances that lead young people and others to make these choices, and we need to continue strengthening the partnerships and resources that can help prevent violence before it happens." Vargo thanked Pool and Yancey for speaking up and expressing their beliefs. She welcomes others to do so as well. "Just as Chief Oliver has said, I also want to hear directly from our residents," Vargo said. "Their concerns, ideas and experiences matter, and I believe meaningful solutions come when our community, law enforcement, city leadership, schools, families and community organizations work together." People can email Vargo at kvargo@cityofsandusky.com. "Sandusky is a strong community, and we cannot allow a small number of individuals to define who we are," Vargo said. "We will continue to work together, have the difficult conversations and do everything we can to make Sandusky a safer place for everyone."