Hartford police collected more than 200 firearms at a gun buyback event sponsored with Saint Francis Hospital Saturday.
Residents were able to turn in firearms for a Stop & Shop gift card. The weapons can be turned in anonymously, no questions asked. The amount of the card depends on the type of weapon.
• $450 gift card for an assault rifle
• $250 gift card for a semi-automatic handgun
• $150 gift card for a revolver
• $100 gift card for a shotgun/rifle
Police said that they collected 207 guns in total – 60 pistols, 47, revolvers, 35 rifles, 40 shotguns, 22 assault rifles, one machine gun, and two derringers.
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The guns will be destroyed, unless forensic testing shows been used in a crime. The Newtown Action Alliance, which works with police and the hospital on the projects, said they plan to turn them into garden tools, which will be donated to community gardens.
Hartford hosts gun buyback events several time each year. Police described Saturday's event as one of the most successful they've had.
