Another successful year for Baton Rouge’s “Gas For Guns” drive suggests more to come, says East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore.
The East Baton Rouge local government set up two exchange stations Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where citizens could trade in unwanted guns for Circle K gas vouchers, which ranged from $50 to $300 depending on the type of weapon exchanged.
Guns less than .38 caliber were traded in for $50 in gas vouchers — while anything above turned out $100 — except for assault weapons, which could earn owners up to $300.
Since last year, the trade-in value of assault weapons was increased from $200 to $300, and Moore said the bump in price was effective.
“Within one hour there were five [assault weapons] that were collected,” he said. “It’s good to get those off the run.”
Moore said it’s hard to tell the background of the people who traded in weapons Saturday because the event is a no-questions-asked affair.
Regardless of who was trading in the guns, “If we get that many weapons off the street, it’s a success,” Moore said. “We wanted to encourage parents and grandparents who want to get rid of