Gangs in Buffalo part two

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - No one investigates like News 4. Tuesday night, we told you about Buffalo's growing gang problem, which police say is behind most of the violent crime we hear about. Wednesday night, we hear from past gang members who say they were heading down a path to certain death. They're talking to Investigative Reporter Luke Moretti in this special assignment.
Juan Luis Acosta spent five and a half years in prison.

Acosta said, "I shot an FBI informant with his own gun."

That was 1994. Today he's trying to show at-risk kids that a gangster life will only lead to jail or death.

Juan Luis Acosta (Urban Community Corporation) said, "When they ask me who are you. Show me your jacket. They want to know what is your lifestyle. Where you come from. How can you speak to me about issues that you have no comprehension on?"

Acosta does comprehend. He's been there; did the crime, did the time.

Now with little funding, and little support, he runs a pre-apprentice program for young adults. Instead of a life of crime, they learn to work and get paid for it.

His success stories include former gang member Ray Moore, who's attending Erie Community College.

Luke Moretti asked, "What was the wake up call for you?"

Ray Moore said, "Just losing a lot of friends. Like I say you get tired of it man. Just waking up, stressing, looking over your shoulder every day. Walking around, got to carry a gun everywhere you go, wasn't worth it no more."

Laquin Gibson got out too. Once broke, homeless and on the run; he now earns a real day's pay for a day's work.

Laquin Gibson said, "It was rough, like sleeping in a drug house, and everything like that. I got to stay up because I never know when the police are going to kick the door in."

Gibson credits Pastor Darius Pridgen for helping him change his focus from gangs to god.

Pastor Darius Pridgen (True Bethel Baptist Church) said, "You really have to show them that life is not about instantaneous gain. But that's a mind change. I do it every Sunday."

Long after the smoke clears and police cars pull away, the impact on crime ridden neighborhoods is quite evident.

Rich Fontana said, "How's it going? I'm the councilman from the neighborhood."

Buffalo Council Member Rich Fontana sees it in his district.

There's the memorial left behind after an 18-year-old was gunned down on Eller Street.

Fontana said, "They shot the gun at him and they got him one bullet in the heart."

Violence causes fear, and the fear is forcing many homeowners to leave for safer ground.

Keystone Street is a prime example.

Luke Moretti asked, "Five percent ownership on this street?"

Rich Fontana said, "Five percent."

Fontana said, "You have unsupervised teens on the street, all hours of the night. You have drugs mixed into that equation, and you have illegal handguns. That's a killer cocktail, and that's what's happening on the streets in the City of Buffalo."

Pridgen said, "We have lived in this kind of society that says get it quick, get it fast. And this kid can't get it the same way another kid does. So he gets it whatever way he can. But that's lack of hope."

Acosta said, "There is a me concept, that needs to be changed. We need to focus on a we concept, because we live together."

And just because kids become gang members at a young age doesn't mean they're doomed to lead a life of violence.

As we just heard, there is a way out. Unfortunately some never get the chance. They end up dead or in jail.