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Newtown native and former champion boxer China Smith tells teens to put down the guns

Sarasota police stepped up patrols in Newtown this month after more than 30 reports of gunfire since November.
Credit: Isabel Mascareñas

SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota police are investigating another shooting in Newtown despite having stepped up patrols nearly two weeks ago. Teenagers were behind this one, and it’s not the first.

 “Kids, put your guns down, guns are not the answer,” is the message from Newtown native China Smith. The Newtown native is a mentor, role model and the former North American Champion in boxing.

Smith says, “These kids don’t fear nobody since they fear nobody; it’s why we have this kind of problem.”

Police say the problem is a spike in gun violence. Police stepped up patrols in Newtown early this month after receiving more than 30 reports of shootings since November. 

The latest happened Monday night. An officer on patrol heard 8-10 gunshots, spotted a car speeding away and pulled it over. Inside, police found two pistols and a long rifle.

By adding more officers on the road, SPD hopes to see a reduction of crime.

“Possibly develop leads into rash of shootings we’ve had in the north district,” says police Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos.

“It’s because they’re lost, they need a solution,” says Smith.  “City leaders, people in the community with influence need to come together with law enforcement.”

Another solution: getting kids involved in a sport like martial arts or boxing where they learn respect for others and themselves.

Smith says, “They have a place a way to let out their aggression and not be punished.”

During his professional boxing days, Smith was known as “The People’s Champ” in the ring and in the community, especially with young people. He offers boxing lessons.

“It teaches you to be humble, to work harder. It teaches you if you get knocked down you get back up,” says Smith.

He’s got a message for kids committing crimes: “I believe there’s greatness in you. There’s a choice between doing good and doing bad.”

Smith works with the Police Athletic League in Manatee County. He’s looking at opening a gym in Newtown so kids and teens have a place to go and be mentored.

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