Santa Barbara gun buyback nets big return

The Santa Barbara Police Department’s ‘Gun Buyback’ event took in over 150 unwanted guns on Saturday.

The event was held at the parking lot of Earl Warren Showgrounds from 8 a.m. to noon.

The anonymous program is a partnership with the Coalition Against Gun Violence and aims to reduce the risk of homicide, suicide and deadly accidents.

In total, 179 firearms were turned in including 90 handguns, 88 long guns and one California-classified assault weapon.

$100 Smart & Final gift cards were given to people turning in working handguns, shotguns and rifles and $200 gift cards for assault weapons.

Police say that any stolen firearms will be returned to their owners and the remaining weapons will be destroyed and recycled.

The first ‘Anonymous Gun Buyback’ event was held following the 2014 Isla Vista shootings. That event resulted in 200 firearms being turned in.