DeSoto police, Dallas County DA hosting event Saturday to collect unwanted guns, ammo

In an effort to stymie gun-related crimes, DeSoto police said they are teaming up with the Dallas County district attorney’s office and DeSoto city officials on Saturday to collect unwanted firearms and ammunition.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., people can trade firearms and ammo for Walmart gift cards at DeSoto Fire Station No. 2, 206 S. Parks Drive, police said.

A $100 Walmart gift card is being offered for each firearm that is voluntarily surrendered, police said.

“This program is dedicated to ensuring safety within our communities by providing a safe place for citizens to surrender their unwanted firearms and ammunition,” police said in a post shared on the department’s Facebook page.

Police said they will not ask for identification from people who turn in firearms. They asked that people remove ammunition from guns that are being turned in and put it in a bag or box.

Guns and ammo should also be put into the trunk or rear seat, where officers can safely retrieve them, police said. People coming in a pickup can put weapons and ammo in a box and leave them in the truck bed.

Officers will be on hand to help anyone who doesn’t know how to handle firearms or check if a gun is loaded, according to police.