Residents return 124 firearms at gun buyback event in Chollas View

Residents turned in more than 120 firearms during a gun buyback Saturday in Chollas View in exchange for gift cards or skateboards, San Diego police said.

People came to the Jacobs Center on Euclid Avenue near Market Street to drop off guns, “no questions asked,” event organizers said.

The 124 weapons collected: 40 pistols, 81 long guns and three assault weapons, said Ashley Nicholes, a police spokeswoman. All weapons will be destroyed.

“In general, these are firearms that would likely remain unsecured in homes where they are no longer used for recreational, sentimental or self-defense purposes,” said Sgt. Ariel Savage said in a press release. “This situation increases the likelihood of their theft or misuse. »

Police gave residents one $100 gift card or skateboard for a handgun, as well as two $100 gift cards or skateboard for an assault rifle.