First-Ever Firearms Auction

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The Cass County Sheriff’s office holds its first ever firearms auction.

Dozens of guns from throughout the past thirty years were auctioned off to the public.

Bidders, jam packed in a room for an auction that’s the first of its kind in Cass County.

These gun enthusiasts were shocked when they found out it was happening so they flocked from all over the region to check it out.

After years of storing guns, a new state law starting August 1st requires law enforcement agencies to sell any guns they collect.

“We’ve got hand guns, we’ve got long guns, we’ve got shot guns, .22’s, it’s just a little bit of everything,” says training coordinator Jeff Olson.

This auction was a test run to make sure there are no problems going forward. And officials had no idea what to expect.

“Coming in, hesitant and unsure and at the very end, now that everybody’s been through and bought what they purchased, I think it was very successful,” says training officer Chris Fix.

Bidders had two hours to carefully go through the merchandise because all guns are sold as is.

Each item for sale has a different, unknown story behind it. Many had been disassembled as part of evidence in criminal cases.

“This weapon has gone through the court systems determining that the owner can no longer have it, it’s found property, it’s discarded property,” says Olson.

Before today’s auction, all of these guns were just sitting in custody. But now, every single one has a new home.

“This will go back to the general fund so it will benefit the tax payers and will go into any equipment that was not budgeted for,” Olson says.

The county will hold auctions like this at least on an annual basis.

Shooting accessories as well as knives were also sold in addition to guns.