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Apopka Police Department and OCSO sponsor Kicks 4 Guns tomorrow

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Kicks 4 Guns program takes on gun violence by removing unwanted firearms from the street

According to a gun violence website with 2,000 independent sources throughout the United States, there have been 38,957 incidents of gun violence, 9,695 deaths, 19,420 injuries, 230 mass shootings, 185 law enforcement officers shot or killed, 1,274 accidental shootings. Among those staggering numbers are 449 children, and 2,031 teenagers who were killed or injured by a firearm.

An unwanted gun can easily become a stolen gun, and stolen guns are often involved in violent crimes according to a government study.

The OCSO and APD collected 43 unwanted guns today. The OCSO and APD collected 43 unwanted guns last year.

A U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that 1.4 million firearms were stolen across the United States from 2005 through 2010 (there is no more current study). It also found that the vast majority — at least 80 percent — are never recovered and that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of the mass shootings in the United States took place with stolen weapons.


Tomorrow, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Apopka Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Crimeline and Real Radio, will once again participate in Kicks 4 Guns. The event is now in its 19th year. Participants will receive a $50.00 gift card, for turning in a real firearm. There are no questions asked and no ID required.

Gun collection will take place at these four locations:

  • John Bridges Center: located at 445 West 13th Street in Apopka
  • East Orange County Community Center: Located at 12050 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida
  • Pine Hills: Located at 5218 Silver Star Road, Orlando, Florida
  • OBT Development: Located at 2719 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando

Citizens who want to turn in firearms are asked to place the unloaded weapon inside a plastic bag. An OCSO deputy will remove the gun from the vehicle.

“The fact that Kicks 4 Guns has removed nearly 10,000 unwanted guns from the streets of Central Florida is an amazing testament to the listeners of Real Radio and their desire to make our community safer.” says Real Radio 104.1's Program Director, Jack Bradshaw.

 


Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What kinds of guns are accepted?

Any and all guns are welcome. Pistols, shot guns, bb-guns, semi-automatics, rifles, etc.

2. What if I have a BB Gun, will I still get a pair of shoes?

Each location has its own policy regarding BB Guns.

3. Will I get a pair of shoes for every gun turned in?

Rules vary from location to location. Best to contact the police agency that will be handling your drop off location for specific details.

4. How do I transport my gun to Kicks 4 Guns?

People walking or driving to the event are encouraged to place their UNLOADED guns in a sealed bag or box clearly marked Kicks 4 Guns. If you are stopped by a police officer, tell him or her immediately that you have a weapon in the car and are headed to the event.

No one may enter the event carrying a gun. Guns are handed over to the police at the gate where they are checked, tagged and stacked.

5. What happens if someone offers to buy my gun on the way to Kicks 4 Guns?

Law enforcement discourages the sales of guns outside the Kicks 4 Guns venue.

6. What if I don't have a gun and want to go to Kicks 4 Guns?

Only people turning in guns and those accompanying them may enter the event. All others are required to remain outside the gates and view the event from there.

7. How can I make a monetary donation to Kicks 4 Guns?

Click here to make a monetary donation to Kicks 4 Guns. Please make sure to note it is for Kicks 4 Guns.

I have shoes/gift cards to donate I'd like to donate to Kicks 4 Guns. Click here to donate.

8. I have ammo, can I drop off unwanted ammo at Kicks 4 Guns?

Yes, you can drop off your ammo, but you won't get a gift card or shoes for the unwanted ammo.

Apopka Police Department, Kicks 4 Guns, Orange County Sheriff's Office

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