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Amanda Butterfield ReportingSeven gang shootings in one month in Ogden was enough to catch the attention of the Guardian Angles, a group of vigilantes who patrol the roughest cities in the country to restore peace and safety for residents.
They're all volunteers who on their own money and own time go to cities that need help. They're in Ogden tonight, they came here because they've received e-mails.
You'll find these guys in New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles, among other cities. Founder Curtis Sliwa said, "We're used to being in the land of the psycho-pathetic killing machines."
Now they're in Ogden. Curtis Sliwa, a former McDonalds manager in the Bronx, was sick of witnessing crime and violence so he started The Guardian Angels.
"No weapons, no special power of privilege, just the rights all citizens have to begin with," Sliwa said.
And he's got stories to tell in the 28 year's he's been doing this, like when John Goddy, Sr. took a hit out on him for trying to stop crime; he was shot five times.
Sliwa says, "They wanted to silence me, turn me into room temperature."
He survived and now goes from city to city keeping the law. It's grown to 5,000 strong in nine countries. Joshua Tso hopes to start a branch in Salt Lake.
He was just in New Orleans on patrol and is now part of the team working Ogden, where neighbors welcome them.
Dave Wald said, "It's great, I've heard of them before."
And they're easy to spot, they'll always be wearing red berets. The red beret is their symbol to set them apart.
While they're in Utah, they'll also patrol Pioneer and Liberty parks.
