Gun buyback in Cincinnati collects 135 weapons

CINCINNATI (AP) - A community-based gun buyback effort has brought in 135 weapons in southwest Ohio.

The first of three planned events by a church outreach program Tuesday ran out of $100 gift cards, then gave people IOU's for guns after nearly 100 cards were given out. Cincinnati police detectives will check the weapons to see if any have links to cases they are working. Otherwise, they will be melted into scrap.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that a federally licensed gun dealer showed up to provide some competition. He bought a dozen weapons for $40 to $100 by standing outside the church with a sign that read "Cash 4 Guns."

Organizers say their efforts might not make a major difference but are worth it if they prevent just one shooting.