Trenton gun buyback runs out of cash

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TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 27 (UPI) -- A gun buyback event held in Trenton, N.J., collected more than 2,500 guns -- so many guns organizers ran out of cash, officials said.

The state-sponsored buyback program was held Friday and Saturday in Trenton, The Times of Trenton (N.J.) reported.

The official number of guns that the state bought from gun owners during the has yet to be released, but Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini Jr., said the number of guns collected was a pleasant shock.

"We really didn't know what to expect. With Camden, they had close to 1,200. I thought if we reached that number and a few hundred more we'd be doing well," Bocchini said. "I was very surprised yesterday when the final tally came in. Where it goes from here, I don't know. We're not turning anyone away."

The city paid out $25 for BB guns, $50 for inoperable guns, $150 for a revolver, rifle, semiautomatic handgun or shotgun. Participants were given $250 for military-like weapons and illegal guns, according to signs at the churches that said prices were non-negotiable. The buyback was no questions asked, with no ID or firearms paperwork needed. Before the cash ran out

The city spent $245,000 buying weapons.

"We are really surprised by the response and the turnout, and incredibly excited we can get this stuff off of the street," said Angelo Onofri, first assistant prosecutor in Mercer County.