More than 250 firearms were turned in during a gun safety event held Saturday, April 18, at the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station, authorities reported.
A total of 266 unwanted guns were collected from the public during the five-hour event, which aimed to reduce the number of firearms in circulation and promote safe storage, according to a San Diego County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The event allowed residents to surrender firearms anonymously in exchange for gift cards, with $100 offered for handguns, rifles and shotguns and $200 for assault-style weapons. Free firearm lock boxes and trigger locks were also distributed while supplies lasted.
Law enforcement agencies from across North County partnered on the effort, including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and police departments from Escondido, Carlsbad and Oceanside, along with campus police from California State University San Marcos and Palomar College.
All collected firearms will be processed by authorities. Any weapons linked to crimes will be referred to the appropriate agency, while stolen firearms will be returned to their original owners. Remaining guns are slated for destruction in accordance with state law.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that similar events are part of ongoing efforts to improve community safety by encouraging residents to safely dispose of unwanted weapons.
