The Abbeville Police Department is holding a firearm buyback day Saturday, May 9 in an attempt to rid the community of excess firearms. Abbeville Chief Rick Coleman said this is one of a few programs of its kind nationwide, and he is happy to host the program in Abbeville.

“We feel that, with the gun violence in our society, it is an appropriate thing to use some of the drug seizure money to remove some of the guns from the street,” the Chief said.

Coleman said this year’s budget is $1000 to be spent on buying guns from the public with no questions asked. He said the event will last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until the $1000 is spent. Small caliber pistols and rifles will be purchased at $25 each; large caliber pistols and shotguns will be purchased for $50 each; and large caliber rifles will be purchased at $75 each. The only requirement is proof that you are a resident of the City of Abbeville and are of legal age to possess the firearm.

Chief Coleman said most of the guns will be destroyed in a safe way and some may be kept for departmental use for instruction or display purposes.

“We encourage anyone with a gun around the house that they’re concerned with to bring it to us to destroy it,” he said.

For more information on the APD Gun Buyback, contact the APD at (337)893-2511.