184 Weapons Collected At Gun Safety Event In Lemon Grove

LEMON GROVE, CA — A total of 184 unwanted firearms were collected during a gun safety event over the weekend in Lemon Grove.

Authorities collected the weapons Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Individuals received a $100 gift card for handguns, rifles and shotguns or a $200 gift card for assault weapons and ghost guns. Authorities also gave free cable locks and gun safety lock boxes to people looking to secure firearms in their homes.

The department hosted the event in partnership with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Adult Parole Operations to get unwanted guns off the streets.

All weapons collected will be processed, and any firearms found to have been involved in a crime will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency, sheriff's officials said.

If any guns are found to be stolen, the original owners will be contacted. All remaining weapons will be destroyed, officials said.

Community members can turn in their unwanted weapons at any sheriff's station or substation. The department said residents should keep the gun in the vehicle's trunk and await further instructions from a deputy.