TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - In an effort to make the streets of Toledo safer, police held a 'guns for cash' program on Saturday.
It's been ten years since police held a buyback day.
People turned in their guns at the People's Missionary Baptist Church in Central Toledo to receive $50 for each weapon.
The guns had to be in working order and unloaded.
There were handguns, shotguns and rifles brought in. Some even shocked police, such as a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun.
"Pull the trigger, get a big boom. Not a legal firearm," said Sgt. Joe Heffernan.
Toledo Police say the gun buyback day was a success. During a six hour period, 178 guns were turned in. They collected 22 air guns, 85 pounds of ammunition, and a bulletproof vest.
Two of the handguns turned in had been reported stolen: One from Detroit in 1984, the other from Tennessee in 1993. Police say neither have been used in a crime since they were stolen.
Toledo Police also distributed 44 gunlocks to gun owners.
The weapons collected will be destroyed.
"Somebody that wants to responsibly dispose of the firearm by giving it to the police is insuring it won't get stolen and used by someone in a criminal act," said Sgt. Heffernan.
Money to pay for the weapons comes from private donations and a law enforcement endowment fund.
People had various reasons for dumping their weapons.
"I have no use for them. They're just laying around the house for the last thirty years" said Dominic Insania.
Others wanted to make sure they didn't fall into the wrong hands.
"Some of these kids get a hold of them, they're going to shoot somebody. I don't want that to happen," said LeRoy Brown.
