Officers and deputies collected 160 firearms during a gun buyback event in La Mesa on Saturday.
La Mesa police Lt. Katy Lynch told OnScene TV that people were lined up for the 9 a.m. event, held at the city’s Civic Center.
Those who turned over handguns, rifles and shotguns received $100 gift cards from either Target or Shell gas stations, officials said. People received $200 gift cards for military-style rifles and ghost guns, which are unserialized and untraceable firearms.
Lynch said people are able to hand in firearms anonymously, no questions asked, adding that the event was a great way for people to pocket a little extra money in time for the holiday shopping season.
“It’s just a great way to get unwanted guns out of your house and keep those guns off the streets,” she said. “It’s a great way to reduce gun violence, and obviously it’s something that law enforcement is concerned about with respect to public safety.”
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the La Mesa and El Cajon police departments to host the event.
All firearms collected on Saturday will be processed and screened, officials said. Any that have been reported stolen will be returned to their registered owners, and guns suspected in a crime will be followed-up on.
The remaining weapons will be destroyed.
Anyone can turn in unwanted firearms at any time and at any sheriff’s station or substation, the sheriff’s department said. Gun owners are asked to leave the firearms in their trunks until they’ve talked with a deputy.
To find the nearest patrol station, visit bit.ly/sheriffsdcounty or call the non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.
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