Anti-violence event held in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Quick arrests were made in the deadly shooting of a man in the drive-thru of a New Haven Burger King.

The man who allegedly pulled the trigger is just 18 years old, and Tuesday night community leaders said they're trying their best to get through to teenagers and keep them off the streets.

Some officers and detectives with the New Haven Police Department were working on the city's latest homicide case, meanwhile, another was out in the community talking to kids about finding the right path.

To some, there is the presumed link between the harsh glare of a police light and youth. Another shooting, another New Haven kid soon to appear on a mug shot.

Stereotypes are dangerous.

"I just look at the positive things in life, to be grateful of," said Nahay Henry, of New Haven, "I look at the bright side of things."

One day after New Haven Police arrested 18-year-old Quavon Torres for murdering 58-year-old Donald Bradley at a Whalley Avenue Burger King, some of the city's youth participated in a scheduled task force meeting at Wilson Library about the ills of violence, led by officer and activist Shafiq Abdussabur.

"There's no short cut to success," Abdussabur said. "So when they're experiencing tough days, those tough days are just part of growing up."

Some of those listening intently to Abdussabur's message are part of the "Hill Youth Action Team," kids working in New Haven to make a difference. The argument is that those that need to be there, aren't there.

"Most teenagers have no father figure," said Aaron Wint, of New Haven, "another thing, is that they grow up around the wrong people."

Torres' back story, which is now a dark story, is unknown. However, New Haven's chief says the arrest of the suspect was due, in part, to help from his community.

"I want to thank our community for trusting in its police department," said Chief Dean Esserman. "The support we got from people at the scene from members of the families of all involved, was really remarkable."

Police say the city is less violent than it was a year ago, and good things are happening.

"The good news is that we're a community of building, that's where we're at now,"  said Abdussabur.

Thanks to good people, good kids are following their own path, and not one that brings lights and pain.

"You have to work with what you have, you know," Henry said. "When you work with little things, they become big later on in life."