Michigan City Police collected 69 weapons during its “Get More Buck for your Bang” gun drive April 26-27, 2013, in which citizens could exchange weapons for Walmart gift cards.
Forty of the weapons were handguns of assorted types, makes and calibers with one dating back to 1925; 26 were long guns, including shotguns and rifles; and three handguns were “starter pistols,” which have the appearance of a handgun but are not made to be fired.
“We experienced numerous stories during the drive of people inheriting various guns which they had no desire to keep, shoot or store in their home,” Sgt. Chris Yagelski said in a press release. “These weapons are often sitting in closets, drawers or basements. Some are broken, unable to be fired, dangerous, or just no longer wanted or needed.
“Our drive provided a source to get rid of guns in a safe and responsible manner and obtain a Walmart gift card in exchange,” Yagelski said.
The gun exchange campaign originated in 2007. “Our intentions are not to take guns away from citizens; our purpose is to give citizens an avenue to remove unwanted, broken or unused firearms that no longer serve a purpose.”
The department thanked sponsors and partners in the exchange: Horizon Bank, Walmart, Members Advantage Credit Union, Filter Specialists Inc., R&L Roofing, Mayor Ron Meer, Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi, the News-Dispatch and LaPorte Herald-Argus.