Gun Buy-Back Takes 104 Firearms Off the Streets in Lakewood

The program — a local law enforcement effort to take guns off the street in Cuyahoga County —was right on target.

In Lakewood, more than 104 guns were turned in at the on Detroit Avenue on Saturday, said police chief Timothy Malley.

“It’s a program that was certainly successful,” he said.

As incentives, gift cards were passed out to those who brought in guns.

Officers ran out of gift cards.

The incentive with the gift cards is what really brought people out,” Malley said. “I think we had the support of the community, and the support of the business community.”

The multi-community effort — including Lakewood, Cleveland, Euclid, Parma and Shaker Heights — took place at several locations around Cuyahoga County.

In all, 706 guns all were taken off the streets, according to The Plain Dealer.

The guns will be gathered up and melted down.

Because those who dropped off guns remained anonymous, it’s not known how many of the weapons were from Lakewood.

“We didn’t ask for identification, or anything,” Malley said. “Anonymity was a big part of the program.”

To participate, residents were encouraged to bring an unloaded working handgun and drop it off. In exchange, they were given $100 gas, food, or Target gift cards and Cavalier or Lake Erie Monster tickets. 

“It went well as could be expected,” Malley said. “You never know where or when guns can be used. It was a good to get rid of guns that aren’t wanted.”