[1]Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza says he’s happy to help properly dispose of the guns folks considered hazardous items. / Courtesy photo by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office says 26 guns were turned in during their weekend event giving citizens the opportunity to dispose of firearms.
Sheriff John Snaza said in a news release that often times unwanted guns are not secured properly and can end up in the hands of those who don’t know how to use them or shouldn’t have them at all.
Last year, 174 firearms were stolen in burglaries around unincorporated Thurston County, according to Snaza. Those are weapons on the streets and unaccounted for, Snaza pointed out.
On Saturday, the sheriff’s office collected 10 handguns, 16 long guns and three five-gallon buckets of ammunition folks dropped off at the McLane Fire Department, according to the sheriff’s office.
Gun givers were able to choose if their donated weapon was sent to be destroyed or traded to a licensed dealer for ammunition for deputies to use in training.
The sheriff’s office plans to conduct another event this fall, but meanwhile, anyone who wants to get rid of firearms or ammunition can call 360-786-5500, according to Lt. Greg Elwin.