Trade Guns For Gift Cards At Gun Safety Event In San Diego's North County

VISTA, CA — Community members can trade in their unwanted weapons for gift cards during a gun safety event this weekend in northern San Diego County.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the city of Vista, Oceanside Police Department, San Diegans for Gun Prevention Violence and San Diego County District Attorney's Office to get unwanted guns off the streets.

People who donate handguns, rifles and shotguns will receive $100 gift cards, while those who trade in assault weapons will receive $200 gift cards, according to the sheriff's office. Free lock boxes and trigger locks will also be distributed while supplies last.

To be eligible for the gun buyback program, firearms must be in working order, unloaded and placed in the trunk of a vehicle. A deputy or officer will then provide further instructions, officials said.

All collected weapons will be destroyed, according to the sheriff's office. Residents turning in weapons can remain anonymous.

The event will take place from 1-6 p.m. Saturday at North County Superior Court at 325 South Melrose Drive in Vista.