GUN BUYBACK RETURNS TO RUMSON

Monmouth County residents can anonymously surrender weapons as part of a countywide gun buyback program, scheduled for Friday May 16 and Saturday May 17 in Rumson.

Between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm, anyone can anonymously surrender a weapon — without fear of having to answer questions about their identity or how they came into possession of a weapon — at the headquarters of the Rumson Police Department, 80 East River Road. All weapons should be unloaded and transported safely, in accordance with the law.

Cash will be paid for various weapons turned in at the surrender points: $200 for an assault weapon; $100 for handguns; and $25 for shotguns and rifles. Ammunition, pellet and BB guns may be surrendered at the locations but there will be no compensation for those items.

“This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who has a weapon in their possession to turn in those community guns and start turning your life around,” stated Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. “Violence is not the answer, and gun violence has certainly proven to be a deadly part of the equation. No questions will be asked, and you can make a little cash too.”

The gun buyback program is sponsored by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and the Monmouth County Police Chiefs’ Association.

The buyback program will also be conducted during those same days and hours at the Asbury Park Satellite Office of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, located at 710 Main Street in Asbury Park. Last year, citizens turned in a total of 1,799 guns — including 15 assault weapons — during the buyback sessions held in March and September at locations in Asbury Park, Keansburg and Rumson. As reported here on redbankgreen, the September buyback — funded by a donor who wished to remain anonymous — found the Rumson location netting more firearms than the Asbury site, by a tally of 125 to 93.

For additional information and directions, please call (800) 533-7443.