By Gina Yarbrough
Vista, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement, hosted a gun safety event in Vista aimed at reducing unwanted firearms in the community.
Saturday’s event, held at the North County Regional Center on South Melrose Drive, removed 152 firearms turned in by residents.
Participants received gift cards valued at $100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and $200 for assault weapons and ghost guns. In addition, free cable locks and gun safety lock boxes were provided to those seeking to secure store firearms at home.
All collected firearms will undergo processing. Any guns linked to criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate authorities, while stolen firearms will be returned to their rightful owners. The remaining weapons will be destroyed in accordance with the law.
The Sheriff’s Office and the Vista Sheriff’s Station expressed gratitude to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Oceanside Police Department, and the City of Vista for their support of the event. They also thanked the public for their role in enhancing community safety by removing unwanted firearms from circulation.
Unwanted firearms can be turned in at any Sheriff’s station or substation. For safety, individuals are reminded to transport firearms in their vehicle’s trunk and await instructions from a deputy.
For more information, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.
