119 Guns Collected During Buyback Event In North County

VISTA, CA — Nearly 120 firearms, including 15 assault rifles, were collected during a gun buyback event Sunday in San Diego's North County, authorities said.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported that 119 unwanted firearms were turned in during the event at the Vista Sheriff's Station on South Melrose Drive.

Participants received $100 gift cards for handguns, rifles and shotguns, and $200 gift cards for assault weapons. Free firearm lock boxes and gun cable locks were also distributed.

All collected firearms will be processed to determine whether they were stolen or used in crimes, according to the sheriff's office. Stolen firearms will be returned to their rightful owners, while those linked to crimes will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. All remaining weapons will be destroyed.

The event was organized in partnership with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Oceanside Police Department and city of Vista.

Residents can turn in unwanted firearms at any sheriff's station or other law enforcement agency. Firearms should be secured in the trunk of a vehicle while owners await instructions from deputies.

For more information, call the sheriff's non-emergency line at 858-868-3200.