Columbus police trading $100,000 for guns in buyback program next Saturday

The Columbus Office of Violence Prevention and Columbus police will be holding a gun buyback Downtown next weekend, with the city prepared to give out $100,000 in cash gift cards for guns.

The city's second anonymous gun buyback event will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 at Franklin University in Phillips Hall parking lot D, (303 S. Grant Ave.), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a release. Residents aren't required to present an ID to exchange a firearm for a cash gift card.

Last September, the city held its first gun buyback program, with residents exchanging 344 guns, including 201 handguns, 75 shotguns and 68 rifles for over $135,000 in gift cards, The Dispatch previously reported .

Office of Violence Prevention Director Rena Shak said the initiative was aimed to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, since many violent crimes are perpetrated using guns stolen from law-abiding citizens.

“In our battle against gun violence, we are asking community members to turn in firearms to reduce the number of guns that could be used in a crime, to self-harm, or that can be accessed by a child,” Shak said.

Residents are encouraged to bring handguns, shotguns, rifles, and assault rifles. Replicas, antiques, and non-working guns will also be accepted, but no gift cards will be given for these items.

The city will also be giving away gun locks and other safety-related items.

If you attend, the city says you'll have to follow these safety precautions:

• Drivers should arrive with the gun(s) placed in the trunk of the vehicle and follow all local laws during transport.
• Guns must be unloaded and preferably placed in a bag or a box.
• Ammunition should be separated from the gun.
• Walk-ups are discouraged.

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police trading $100,000 for guns in buyback program next Saturday