Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio today announced the results of the “Gun Turn-In” event.
The program held at the Brick Township Police Headquarters on Chambers Bridge Road this past Saturday, May 5th, which resulted in a total of 13 guns, 10 long guns (rifles) and 3 handguns, turned into Brick Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office members for safe disposal – all will be destroyed.
The event was a collaborative effort by the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to give individuals a safe and convenient option to dispose of unwanted firearms before a tragedy occurs.
Officials said the guns turned-in can never be stolen in a burglary and used later in a violent crime. Additionally, they can never fall into the hands of a curious child and cause the death of that child, a friend, or some other innocent person.
The seven individuals who took advantage of the program that was advertised through the local press, social media and flyers were directed to transport their unwanted guns to the event locked in the trunk of their vehicle unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gun-box or securely tied package.
According to authorities, the most common reasons heard for the turn-ins were that they had received the firearm after the death of a loved one or that they purchased the firearm many years ago and now no longer had interest in keeping the weapon. All expressed their appreciation for the convenient option to dispose of the firearms.
The success of the event has already brought requests from other local police chiefs to partner with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for additional events in their areas.