Updated 01/07/2013 06:05 PM
Gun buyback brings in wide range of firearms
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TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. -- It's a haul of weapons much larger than expected. A day-long gun buyback program in Tompkins County yielded 147 guns, more than three times the number organizers had hoped for.
The program run by the Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff and District Attorney's office aimed to get unwanted guns off the street. People were offered cash and amnesty for turning in their firearms.
75 handguns and 72 long guns were brought in on Saturday. That includes two assault rifles, and even a World War II Colt .45 valued at about $2,000. But, they're all headed to the melting pot.
"As beautiful as some guns may be, as old and rusty as they may be, we don't discriminate when it comes to getting these guns permanently off the streets. It's a shame to cut such a beautiful gun in half and melt it down, but that's part of the program," said Officer Jamie Williamson, Ithaca Police Public Information Officer.
Ithaca Police are now offering free gun locks to help keep the community safe. Anyone interested can pick one up at the department, no questions asked.