Gas for Guns: More than 500 Guns Collected

(Memphis) Memphis Police and the City hosted an event, Saturday,  to help combat that called Gas for Guns. Memphians could cash in on each gun they turned in with a 50 dollar gas card.

Cars lined the street outside Bloomfield Baptist Church for blocks as Memphians turned over  their guns to police, no questions asked. More than 500 guns were collected.

“The number of guns turned in will be important.  But what’s of greater importance is just generating the level of awareness,  getting people to talk about that we have too many guns easily accessible,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

It’s the access that’s important to Wesley Houston.

“I’m anti-gun,” said Houston.

He doesn’t want his children to get a handle on a gun he’s had for years, so he’s  giving it to police who will destroy it.

“It’s good to protect your family, but it’s also good to be safe,” said Houston.

We’re told Almost nine out of ten nine people murdered in the city of Memphis die from a bullet.

6 out of ten hurt in assaults, are injured with a gun. Police Director Toney Armstrong says these high numbers have to come down.

“It appears that firearms are the weapons of choice and or citizens are not taking the necessary steps to de-escalate the situation,” said Armstrong.

They are situations you might not always think about.

“People can come in your house and use your gun on you,” said Mattie Franklin who turned in a gun she’s had for years, but never used.

It’s not just Franklin’s fear that’s prompted her hand over. The basketball fan is happy to score a pair of grizzly tickets and a 50 dollar MAPCO gas card.

“I’ll have gas for two weeks,” said Franklin.

Director Armstrong is happy the city can help families in the tough time, but he’s even happier to promote a better, stronger, city.

“It’s about saving lives,” said Armstrong.