Baltimore Gang Member Turned Community Leader
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As authorities focus on keeping violent criminals off the street, one man is working to tackle to the problem at its source.
He was known as "T" and "Crazy Ted" on the streets and was a part of Baltimore City's criminal underground. Today, he goes by Dr. Ted Sutton and is working to tackle violent crime at its source.
Sutton also calls on community leaders to become more proactive in their attempts to reach at risk youth before they seek out gang life.
Sutton says he also works with the police to help build better relationships with urban youth. The recent carnage on the streets of Baltimore City is pushing city leaders to their limits.
"We know who the trigger pullers are, now let's go after them," said Sutton.
Top law enforcement officials are forming an elite team of police and prosecutors to go after the worst of the worst violent gun offenders
"We think it'll result in better quality prosecutions and we think it'll have better outcomes for our entire community," said Sutton.
All this is happening on the heels of a violent Labor Day weekend.
Police arrested two known gang members in fatal shootings where children were also wounded.
"That person that would be your big homie would that would be like a big brother, that O.G. would be like a father," said Sutton.
Escaping a life of prison, the man once known as "Crazy Ted" has earned a reputation as a voice of reason for some gang members also looking to turn their lives around.
"It's not easy, but it's not impossible," said Sutton.
Sutton also refers to the "Code of the Streets" to address the recent violence in the city.
He tells WJZ the rules clearly say no harm to women or children; he says those who break that law are usually outcast.
"Even the streets feel that they are a nuisance and somebody has to reel them back in," said Sutton.
As far ending gang culture, Sutton says there's no single solution, but his mission is to reach anyone who will listen
"Don't be born an original and die a copy cause I want some of these young people to learn that they can move past their pain," said Sutton.
