Update: Gun Safety Event in San Marcos 

April 19, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that this weekend, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office teamed up with its law enforcement partners to help get unwanted weapons off our streets through a Gun Safety Event in San Marcos.

A total of 266 unwanted firearms were turned in by the public during Saturday's event at the San Marcos Sheriff's Station, located at 182 Santar Place.

Individuals received a $100 gift card for handguns, rifles and shotguns or a $200 gift card for assault weapons.

Free firearm lock boxes and trigger locks were also given out to anyone who wanted one.

All weapons collected will be processed. Any firearms found to have been involved in a crime will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. If any guns are found to be stolen, the original owners will be contacted. All remaining weapons will be destroyed in accordance with the law.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office and San Marcos Sheriff's Station would like to thank the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Escondido Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, Oceanside Police Department, University Police Department at Cal State San Marcos and Palomar College Police Department for their support in making this Gun Safety Event a success.

Most importantly, thanks to the public for helping us keep our communities safe by getting unwanted firearms off our streets. 

The public can always turn in their unwanted weapons at any Sheriff's station or substation, as well as at any law enforcement agency. For your safety, keep the gun in the trunk of your car and await further instructions from a deputy. For a list of Sheriff's patrol stations, click here. You can also call the Sheriff's non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.

Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff's Office