Providence Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Providence police Patrolman Steven Cileli, left, and Sgt. Kenneth Vinacco take manufacturer and serial number information from a rifle during Saturday's statewide Gun Buyback.PROVIDENCE, R. I. -- Six cafeteria tables at the DaVinci Center social service agency were covered with an assortment of guns by 12:45 p.m., and there was still more than an hour left to Saturday's statewide Gun Buyback.
The agency's multipurpose room was one of three locations where people could trade in guns for $50 to $200 worth of Visa gift cards. A Knights of Columbus hall in Central Falls and the Bristol Police Department headquarters were the other locations.
"Every single one of these weapons can kill," Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare said.
Pointing to a dozen semiautomatic handguns, he said, "These handguns are the ones we are up against in the streets."
He called the day a success in quantity and types of guns received.