Police and clergy will attempt to reproduce the success of 2009’s gun buy-back on Saturday, January 23. Minus the grenade, perhaps.
Two hours into a NYPD/Bronx District Attorney gun buy-back in April, a confused Bronx resident turned in a live grenade. Police evacuated the New Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ.
Even so, the 2009 gun buy-back worked. Police netted 987 guns at churches borough-wide, more on a single day than any borough. The event yielded 296 revolvers, 242 rifles, 174 semi-automatic pistols and 163 shotguns.
On January 23, Bronx residents are encouraged to surrender guns at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 623 E. 138th Street between Cypress Avenue and St. Ann’s Street, St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 1183 Franklin Avenue at E. 167th Street, Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 763 Prospect Avenue at E. 156th Street, and Our Lady of Grace Chruch, 3985 Bronxwood Avenue at E. 226th Street.
Police will take the guns for $200 each, up to three guns – no questions asked. The weapons must be surrendered in a plastic or paper bag or in a shoebox, and if transported by car must be stored in the car’s trunk.
Police will check to see whether the guns are operational and will distribute rewards in the form of cash cards valid for 30 days. Police will accept BB guns and air pistols in exchange for gift cards to a major retail store.
The buy-back is intended to remove dangerous weapons from Bronx closets and streets. The weapons will be melted down to make wire hangers.
“We’re beating swords into ploughshares,” NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly told the borough in 2009.
Guns surrendered by current or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers won’t be accepted. For more information on the buy-back, phone 311.
Reach reporter Daniel Beekman at 718 742-3383 or dbeekman@cnglocal.com
