Compton deputy has a story straight from the streets

(FOX 11) - Compton's Faith Inspirational Baptist Church has a pastor perhaps like no other. Pastor Rafer Owens is also an LA County Deputy Sheriff.

Owens knows Compton so well some call him the "unofficial" mayor.

Owens' story has so many layers that it reads like a movie. He grew up on the infamous Piru street, birthplace of the Bloods street gang. In fact, the history books name his older brother Vincent Owens as a co-founder of that gang.

How is it that brothers from the same parents, same street, took such opposite paths? First off, they're ten years apart.

The older Owens says as a teen the streets called him. The younger brother says he was just nine or ten at the time. He says his parents ran him to church to save him from the streets.

Vincent now calls himself "a changed man" and retired last year after 25 years with the MTA. These unlikely brothers are close, and share a love of football.

Rafer Owens says he's trying to heal the ills of Compton. Each Sunday you'll find him leading his church congregation.

On most weekdays, you'll find him working the streets of Compton as a deputy in community relations.

Rafer Owens says both jobs of pastor and deputy are equally rewarding. In both spaces he's helping people. He's been in uniform for 30 years. He's led Faith Inspirational Church for 22 years.

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