Gun Buyback Program In Cleveland On Oct. 20

CLEVELAND — Cleveland's 2018 Gun Buyback will be held October 20. People can exchange their working guns for a gift card for either gas or food, valued at $100 (for handguns) or $200 (for semi-automatic weapons).

"The City of Cleveland is facing the same challenges as most major metropolitan areas with regard to gun violence," said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "Cleveland's Annual Gun Buy Back Program is an important step to getting guns off of our streets. I want to thank all of our residents who participate."

The Gun Buyback will start at 9 a.m. at the Cleveland Police Third District Headquarters, 4501 Chester Avenue. The event is part of a partnership between the city and Arcelor Mittal and Burt Saltzman, owner of Dave's Supermarkets.

Guns must be unloaded and placed in a plastic bag, which is then placed inside a secondary bag (like a gym bag), and then brought to the exchange. Ammunition should be packed separate from guns. A Cleveland Police officer will inspect each weapon.

"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 are fortunate once again to have the sponsorship provided by the Cleveland Police Foundation, ArcelorMittal, Dave's Supermarkets, True North and Target. Without their backing, this would not be possible."

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Photo from Shutterstock