Gift cards, Cavs and Monsters tickets offered as incentive for Cleveland gun buy-back program

CLEVELAND - Cleveland is offering several incentives for people to turn in a working handgun, including $100 gas cards, Target or food gift cards, two tickets to an upcoming Cavaliers game or Lake Erie Monsters game, while supplies last.

The buy-back program takes place Oct. 20 at Public Safety Central on Payne Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All who give a gun back will also be entered into a raffle with a chance to win up to $1,000.

"This public-private partnership will help us to prevent a tragedy in the city of Cleveland,"

said Cleveland police chief Mike McGrath. "This is a strategy the City of Cleveland and the Division of Police have employed previously. As a result of the gun buy-back someone's life will be saved."

After the guns are collected, ArcelorMittal melts down the weapons and recycles them into new steel.

"They will eventually become consumer goods that improve the quality of all our lives," said Eric Hauge, vice-president and GM of ArcelorMittal Cleveland.

How to participate:

- Bring a working handgun to Public Safety Central located at 2001 Payne Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 20, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

- The gun must be unloaded in a clear plastic bag inside a second container (gym bag, backpack, etc.)

- Take the unloaded and properly bagged handgun locked in the trunk of your vehicle.

- Pack ammunition separately. Rifles and shotguns can be turned in, but no incentive will be given.

- Cleveland police officers will inspect the weapon to ensure it works.

- After the officers determine the handgun works properly, a $100 gas or food gift card and a pair of Cavalier and Lake Erie Monsters tickets will be given. Everyone surrendering a gun will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win up to $1,000.