Pr. George's Holds 'Gift Cards For Guns' Event
County's third and final gun collection event of 2012
Sunday, Dec 16, 2012 | Updated 7:47 AM EDT
The tragedy in Connecticut motivated some to hand in guns in Prince George's County. More than 150 firearms were turned over in just a few hours on Saturday. Police paid up to 100 dollars a weapon. The buyback had been planned for some time now. But as News4's Derrick Ward reports yesterday's shooting seemed to have a big impact on the community.
The Prince George's County Police Department is hosting its third and final "Gift Cards for Guns" event of 2012 Saturday, the latest effort to reduce gun violence in the county.
Officers will be accepting guns and ammunition from county residents, who will be given Visa gift cards valued up to $100. The firearms do not need to be functional. $25 gift cards will be given in exchange for rifles and shotguns, while those who turn in handguns will receive $50 gift cards. The $100 gift cards will be given to those who turn in automatic or semi-automatic weapons.
The exchange will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church at 601 8th Street in Laurel. Residents are asked to store the unloaded firearms in the trunk of their car. A uniformed police officer will greet residents at the church and provide instructions for handing over their guns.
According to Prince George's Police, approximately 300 guns have been turned in at the previous two events
