Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek announced Monday that more than 75 guns confiscated by the village’s police department were destroyed recently.
Bridgeview Police Chief Ricardo Mancha said the guns were seized during regular traffic stops or criminal investigations.
“When our officers discover those weapons, they are immediately seized by the police department,” Mancha said. “Our officers are out on the streets keeping our community safe.”
Mancha said the weapons destroyed ranged from handguns to shotguns to assault-style rifles.
“Weapons destroyed included AK-47 and M-16-style assault rifles, semi-automatic and revolver-type handguns of various calibers,” Mancha said. “Also included in the destruction were assorted shotguns.”
“At the conclusion of any investigation,” he said. “The illegal firearms remain in the custody of the Bridgeview Police Department. Judicial proceedings are then commenced by the police department to start the process of their destruction.
“At times, a weapon can sit waiting for the entire case to go through court, which may last up to six years,” he added. “Once judicial permission is granted, the weapons are destroyed.”
Landek said the weapons were all taken to the village’s public works department for destruction.
“The metal guns are subsequently cut apart with torches,” he said. “Some of the guns are made out of polymers and those are smashed and destroyed by a street roller.”
“And this is only the first batch,” Landek said. “There are maybe 200 more guns that are awaiting destruction.”
