Gun buy-back in Asbury, Keansburg this weekend

Monmouth's gun buy-back program returns Friday and Saturday, another chance to turn in weapons for cash, anonymously, with no questions about identities or the firearms' origins.

From 8:30 AM until 5 PM on July 31 and August 1, members of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni's office will be at their Asbury Park satellite headquarters, 710 Main Street, and at the New Point Comfort Firehouse in Keansburg, 192 Carr Avenue.

Officials are prepared to pay $200 for each assault weapon, $100 for each handgun and $25 apiece for shotguns and rifles. Ammo, pellets and BB-guns can be surrendered at no monetary compensation.

"We all share a stake in a safer community, and gun buyback programs provide an opportunity for anyone to turn in any type of guns to help create that safer environment," Gramiccioni said in a prepared release.

"Nobody should have to live in fear of violence in their own neighborhood or in their own home. Gun violence has certainly proven to be a deadly part of many communities across the nation and Monmouth County is not immune. Turn in the guns with no questions asked and you can make a little cash too."

Firearms should be unloaded and moved safely as required by law.

The Monmouth Prosecutor's Office, Board of Freeholders, Sheriff's Office, Police Chief's Association, Community Foundation and an anonymous donor sponsor the program, authorities said. More information is available at 800-533-7443