Turn in weapons, receive a gift card in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its annual gun buyback program.

The event will be held Thursday until 7 p.m. at the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board, 2719 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.

The purpose of the buyback program is to get rid of unwanted weapons and prevent them from possibly falling into the wrong hands, deputies said.

"It was just an old gun, and I was afraid someone would load it and shoot it," said Earl Lewis.

Nearly 200 guns were turned in to the sheriff's office, as of 4:30 p.m.

"I turned in a pistol that I've had at least 45 years," said Ed Williams.

The sheriff's office has received a lot of shotguns, but they also receives Tec 9s, which can carry up to 32 rounds if it is fully loaded.

"It can shoot rapidly without having to change out. Those are dangerous weapons. They shouldn't be in the streets," said Stanley Murray, master deputy with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

People can turn in a gun, no questions will be asked, and no ID will be required, deputies said.  In exchange for turning in a weapon, people will receive a $50 gift card, deputies said.

When dropping off a weapon, deputies ask that the gun be unloaded and stored in a plastic bag inside the vehicle. A deputy will remove the gun for the person, deputies said.  Free gun locks will also be handed out at the event.

Deputies believe that even when responsible gun owners turn in weapons, they are preventing future crime.

"They've got over a 100 (guns) so far. So that's a 100 that won't do anything," Lewis said.

Cox Media Group