In an effort to reduce the number of dangerous and unwanted weapons in Mercer County communities, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri today announced that he is partnering with Burlington County Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Alpha Baptist Church to host a regional gun buyback event later this month.
The safety-driven initiative provides residents with an opportunity to voluntarily and anonymously surrender their firearms for cash.
“Simply put, too many people are dying as a result of gun violence,” Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said. “Partnering with Burlington County and the Alpha Baptist Church is a valuable opportunity to make our communities safer and take deadly weapons off of the streets.”
Officials say the gun buyback will be held on Sept. 22nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alpha Baptist Church, located at 15 Rose Street in Willingboro. The county agencies are offering $250 for assault rifles, $150 for handguns, $100 for a rifle or shotgun, and $20 for an inoperable firearm.
According to authorities, Residents are permitted to turn in up to three guns each, no questions asked. Ammunition is not accepted, and firearms dealers are precluded from participating in the buyback.
“We are pleased to work with our Freeholder Board, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and our local agencies to make this worthy investment to enhance public safety,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We are especially grateful to the Alpha Baptist Church, its members, and Pastor Scotton for hosting and supporting this gun buyback. We always
welcome the opportunity to join with community organizations in activities that strengthen our relationships.”
Forfeited funds that were used to facilitate criminal activity or that represent the proceeds of criminal acts are being utilized to purchase the guns that will be voluntarily surrendered.
For more information on the regional gun buyback, residents may call the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 989-6309 or the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 265-5035.