The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is holding its first in a series of Gun Buyback events on Saturday, October 28. 2023 from noon to 4 p.m. with the assistance of the Erie Fire Department.
A gun buyback event is an alternative approach to reduce gun violence. Its goal is to provide a place for the safe disposal of firearms. Removal of unwanted or unneeded firearms helps prevent incidents of accidental discharges and the possibility of theft of such weapons, as well as the removal of improperly stored guns in a home where children may be present.
The event will be held rain or shine and is entirely anonymous. Residents do not need to show proof of ID and will receive payment ranging from $100 to $200 in gift cards based upon the type of each weapon. The event is financed through the District Attorney’s Office drug forfeiture funds, and will have no cost to Erie County taxpayers.
Residents are asked to safely transport their firearms unloaded and in the trunk of their vehicle to the drop off location at the Erie Fire Department, Central Station, 208 West 12th Street in Erie. Individuals will be asked to enter the Fire Department parking lot through the 12th Street Entrance, remain in their vehicle while any firearms are removed from their trunk and then they will be provided with the appropriate gift card and asked to leave through the exit on Sassafras Street.
Rifles, handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons will be accepted. Ammunition is also accepted but not for payment.
Once the firearm is surrendered, it becomes the property of the Erie County Detective Bureau.
“Our gun buyback event will provide a safe and anonymous way for the community to turn in firearms they no longer need or want. The event will help keep our community safe by reducing the chance of theft, self-harm and accidental discharges. Improperly stored guns pose a serious risk in homes with children.” –District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz.
For more information, please visit our website at www.ErieDA.org or Dacrimewatch@eriecountypa.gov or call Lynette Maggio at 814-451-7023.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://erie.crimewatchpa.com/da/179411/events/save-life-turn-gun-0
