Gun Buy Back Program Being Held In Cleveland

CLEVELAND — The 2019 Cleveland Gun Buy Back will be held October 19. Residents that turn in their handguns or semi-automatic weapons will be given either a gas or food gift card worth $100 or $200.

The event will be held at Cleveland police's third district headquarters, 4501 Chester Avenue. The program will begin at 9 a.m. Gift cards of $100 will be provided for handguns and gift cards of $200 will be provided for semi-automatic weapons.

"Thanks to Cleveland's annual Gun Buy Back we have taken hundreds of guns off our streets," said Mayor Frank Jackson. "This annual event helps to reduce gun violence and make Cleveland safer for everyone."

This year's gun buy back program was a collaboration between Cleveland police, the Cleveland Police Foundation, ArcelorMital and Burt Saltzman, owner of Dave's Supermarkets.

"We hope that citizens will take part in this program and turn in unwanted firearms because in doing so, you could save a life," said Chief of Police Calvin D. Williams. "We thank the Cleveland Police Foundation, ArcelorMittal, Dave's Supermarkets, True North and Target for their support once again this year. Without their generosity, this would not be possible."

Taking part in the event is simple. Simply bring a working, but unloaded, handgun or semi-automatic rifle to the police headquarters. The weapon should be in a clear plastic bag, which itself should be stored in a second container (like a gym bag or backpack). Participants should keep their gun in the trunk of their car.

Ammunition for the weapons should be packed separately from the guns. A Cleveland police officer will then inspect the weapon to make sure it works. If the gun is operable, participants will get their gift cards.

Shotguns and non-semi-automatic rifles can be turned in but no gift cards will be provided for those weapons.