COLUMBIA, Md. (WJZ) — Hundreds take part in Howard County’s first gun buyback event in nearly 20 years.

More than 600 people turned in their guns for $100 cash Saturday at the Dorsey Center in Columbia.

It was all part of the Howard County Police Department’s push to get unwanted guns off the streets.

“There are now hundreds of fewer rifles and handguns in Howard County that could fall into the hands of children or thieves and cause real damage,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.

In all, police collected 314 handguns, 168 rifles and 149 shotguns. The county also distributed more than 200 free gun locks.

“Our citizens rely on us to keep them safe and today they played a huge part in aiding us in that mission,” said Chief William J. McMahon.

Each gun will be put through a database to make sure it’s never been stolen or used in a crime.

The last time Howard County hosted a gun buyback in 1995, only three guns were collected.