2018 Gun Buyback Program happening May 12

The Coalition Against Gun Violence (CAGV) is teaming up with the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) to organize a Gun Buyback event two weekends from now.

Members of CAGV gathered on the steps of City Hall Tuesday morning with SBPD law enforcement officials and District Attorney Joyce Dudley to make the announcement.

Anyone wanting to get of an unwanted firearm can do so Saturday, May 12 at Gate C at the Earl Warren Showgrounds off Calle Real.

$100 dollar Smart & Final gift cards will be given to those turning in functioning handguns, shotguns and rifles. People turning in certain assault weapons are eligible to receive $200 dollar gift cards.

SBPD said ammunition for handguns, shotguns, and rifles will also be collected at the Gun Buyback, however, gift cards will not be provided in exchange for these items. Under no circumstances should explosives or military ordnance such as hand grenades or artillery shells be brought to the event.

Last year, 179 weapons were turned in during a similar Gun Buyback event in Santa Barbara.

SBPD Sgt. Riley Harwood asked that people place their unwanted, unloaded firearm in the trunk of their vehicles when driving them over to the Earl Warren Showgrounds that day. Police will be on hand to retrieve the firearm.

The event starts at 8:00 a.m. and goes until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 12.

This will be the third Gun Buyback Program in the past four years in Santa Barbara.