Winston-Salem Will Buy Guns from Citizens

The city wants the community to help put more guns under lock and key.

In 2013, there were 15 murders in Winston-Salem, all but one of them involved a gun. A year earlier, the city recorded eight gun-related murders. Now city leaders are asking residents and business owners to donate money for a gun buyback program.

Winston-Salem city council members have designated $10,000 in police forfeiture funds for the program. City spokesman Ed McNeal says they want to raise another $10,000 in matching funds from the community. “It's an opportunity to get guns that are not secured or guns that people don't want anymore. It's easier for them to get rid of them that way.”

Under the program, citizens turning in firearms will be paid $150 for automatic weapons, $100 for handguns, and $75 for rifles and shotguns. Pellet guns, BB guns and ammunition will also be accepted but they will not receive compensation.

The Winston-Salem Police Department will host the first buyback event March 15 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The second will be April 12 at First Waughtown Baptist Church at 838 Moravia St. It will also run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All contributions are tax-deductible.