This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
More than 10,000 pounds of guns melted at Sheriff's annual gun melt
File photo of a past gun melt.
(
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
)
Thousands of firearms used in a variety of crimes met a fiery end during the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's annual gun melt on Monday. The department tallied more than 3,000 guns weighing a total of more than 10,000 pounds.
The event, which has been organized for the last 21 years, melts guns used in crimes, said Deputy Sheriff Don Walker. The purpose is to destroy the weapons so they are never used again.
"Weapons that were used in a crime and have already been used in court as evidence and cannot be returned to their owners have to be destroyed annually," Walker said.
However, not all guns belong to criminals. Some of the weapons were turned in by people who simply don't want them anymore.
The guns were hauled from Los Angeles by dump truck and sent to a steel mill in Rancho Cucamonga to be reused as construction material for a variety of projects.
"It's usually repurposed as rebar to help build highways and bridges in several states that includes California, Nevada and Arizona," Walker said.
Ten other agencies, including the LA Superior Courts as well as police departments in Long Beach and Beverly Hills also contributed guns for recycling.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
