Armed with $64,000 in a state grant to prevent youth violence, officials in Middletown are putting some of the money toward the city's first gun buyback.
"Anyone selling a gun will have a chance to choose between a gift card from our downtown business district or a gift card to a local grocery store," said Bobbye Knoll Peterson of the North End Action Team.
Police will host the buyback from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, behind the police department off Dingwall Drive in Middletown.
"We'll ask that the weapons are unloaded, chambers open, and if it's a revolver have the action open," said Capt. Sean Moriarty, adding that handguns will go for $50 and long guns for $100.
Of the grant money, $7,200 has been budgeted for the buyback. Funding will also go toward training teachers in what Rep. Matt Lesser called "mental health first aid."
"We're also dealing with a critical issue that we have in Middletown, which is safe, healthy relationships, knowing that a lot of violence isn't between strangers but within the confines of a romantic relationship," Lesser said.
He explained that the grant to Middletown was part of the state government's response to the Sandy Hook shootings.
