Nearly 300 firearms collected at East County gun safety event

LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Nearly 300 unwanted firearms are now off the streets following a gun safety event hosted by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in East County over the weekend.

Held Saturday at the La Mesa Civic Center, the event drew steady participation from the public, resulting in the collection of 270 firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons.

In exchange, participants received gift cards valued at $100 for standard firearms and $200 for assault-style weapons.

The event also offered free gun cable locks to anyone requesting one, aiming to promote safe storage for those who choose to keep firearms in their homes.

All turned-in firearms will be processed. If any are found to be stolen, authorities will attempt to return them to their rightful owners. Weapons connected to crimes will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. All other firearms will be legally destroyed.

The sheriff’s office organized the event in partnership with the La Mesa Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Adult Parole Operations , Sycuan Tribal Police Department, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials also thanked the community for showing up in force.

If you missed the event, you can still turn in unwanted firearms year-round at any sheriff’s station or law enforcement agency. For safety, place the firearm in the trunk of your car and follow deputies’ instructions upon arrival.

For more information or to find your nearest station, call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 858-868-3200.