10 Handguns, 5 Assault Weapons Collected At L.I. Gun Buyback
BELLPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities in Suffolk County collected 10 handguns and five assault weapons at a gun buyback in Bellport Saturday.
Police also collected 30 high-capacity magazines at the event at the Lighthouse Mission, at 1523 Montauk Highway in Bellport.
Participants dropped off weapons – no questions asked. They received $200 cash cards for assault weapons, $100 for pistols or revolvers, and $20 cards for high-capacity clips.
Suffolk County police Lt. Robert Donahue said the event was a success, particularly given that it was small in scope.
"We think it was successful, by the fact that again, it was only advertised as a local buyback. It was not a countywide buyback," Donahue said.
The funds to pay those who turned in guns were raised by two local lawmakers.
"We've used asset forfeiture funds in the past to purchase illegal firearms. This particular gun buyback, the funds were raised privately by Councilwoman (Connie) Kepert and Legislator (Rob) Calarco," Donahue said.
Whether more gun buybacks will be held in the near future depends on funds, but Donahue said he expects more will be coming in 2014.
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