HT News

October 27, 2009

Eachus constituents eligible for gun buyback

Handguns can be turned in for $75 gift certificate. Rifle or shotgun good for $50 gift certificate.

By Steve Mocarsky smocarsky@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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HAZLETON – Do you own a handgun, rifle or shotgun that you don’t use and never intend to?

If you live in the 16th Legislative District, Luzerne County District Attorney Jacqueline Musto Carroll would be glad to take it off your hands tonight and give you a gift certificate for the Laurel Mall in return.

Anyone who turns in a working handgun tonight at Hazleton City Hall will be issued a $75 gift certificate. Anyone who turns in a working rifle or shotgun will be issued a $50 gift certificate, Musto Carroll said.

Musto Carroll is able to make the offer – part of an Operation Safe Guns program – because the District Attorney’s Office was the recipient of a $10,000 state grant secured through state Rep. Todd Eachus, D-Butler Township.

The purpose of the grant is to provide an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted firearms in a safe manner, Musto Carroll said.

It also will reduce the opportunity for criminals to steal guns and sell them on the street or use them in crimes, she said.

All firearms collected will be destroyed.

The buyback is limited to people who reside in the 116th Legislative District because it was secured by Eachus for people in his district.

The 116th District includes the city of Hazleton; Black Creek, Butler, Foster, Hazle and Sugarloaf townships; and Conyngham, Freeland, Jeddo, West Hazleton and White Haven boroughs.

The District Attorney’s Office received the grant entitlement on July 13 and has already held a Gun Buy Back at the West Hazleton Senior Center on Aug. 12. But because some gift certificates associated with the initial gun buyback were not claimed, a second buyback program was scheduled.

The buyback will take place tonight on the second floor of City Hall in city council chambers. It will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. unless gift certificates run out before that.

Gift certificates will be limited to two per person, although program administrators will accept more than two firearms per person for disposal.

Ammunition will be accepted for disposal; however, no payment will be made for ammunition, Musto Carroll said.

IF YOU GO

What: Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Grant

When: 6 to 9 tonight at Hazleton City Hall

What to bring: Any handgun, rifle or shotgun that is in working condition

Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7311.

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