Nearly 60 Weapons Collected At Gun Safety Event In San Diego County

PALA, CA — Nearly 60 unwanted firearms were collected during a gun safety event over the weekend in northern San Diego County.

Authorities collected 56 weapons Saturday at the Pala Band of Mission Indians Administrative Building in Pala, 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 distributed 49 cable locks and 76 gun safety lock boxes for free 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, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, Pala Tribal Law Enforcement and the American Indian Veterans Association of Southern California 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.