631 Weapons Sold at Howard County Gun Buyback Event

Residents turned in 631 weapons during Howard County's gun buyback event on Saturday.

In all, police took in 314 handguns, 168 rifles, 149 shotguns during the event that ran long due to a wait. Police distributed about $63,000 in funds, paying $100 each for the unwanted guns, from money seized in drug investigations.

The response to the event far exceeded previous gun buyback events held in the county in 1994 and 1995. In 1995, three guns were turned in and in 1994, 15 guns were turned in, according to police.

“The tremendous turnout today shows that many people have firearms in their homes that they don't want or need,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “There are now hundreds of fewer rifles and handguns in Howard County that could fall into the hands of children or thieves and cause real damage."

“Clearly there was an interest and a need in our community for an event like this,” said Police Chief William J. McMahon. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as they waited on line to dispose of their unwanted guns. Our citizens rely on us to keep them safe and today they played a huge part in aiding us in that mission.”

Police also offered free cable locks to residents who were turning in guns. The event took place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a county building in Columbia. Police said cars began to line up to anonymously give up their guns about two hours before the event started, and due to demand the event ran an hour long than scheduled.

Police said they will check each weapon to make sure it was not used in a crime or stolen. If stolen, they'll try to return it to the gun's owner.

Baltimore County also held a recent gun buyback day in December, netting 461 firearms, according to an Explore Howard report.