Crime & Safety
Rocket Launcher, 90 Firearms 'Bought' at Sheriff's 'Gifts for Guns' Event
The sheriff's department reports that the weapons will be melted for scrap metal, if they weren't stolen.
Dozens of weapons were turned in this weekend at a "gift cards for guns" event in the South Bay, officials reported.
One of more impressive turn-ins? An expended rocket launcher.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, who helped host the event along with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, a total of 90 firearms and the launcher were brought to the South Bay Courthouse in Chula Vista on Saturday.
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The five hour event was the first of its kind hosted locally, according to sheriff's officials.
"All the weapons will be checked to see if they were stolen or related to a crime," the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said on Facebook. "Otherwise, they will be melted for scrap metal."
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Those who turned in the weapons were handed a $50 grocery store gift card.
The next buyback event from the sheriff's department will be in the North County area, though an exact date and time have yet to be set.
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