THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville woman working in her yard in the 1200 block of South Street was surprised to find a firearm in a flower bed.

The weapon, determined to be stolen, is now part of Thomasville Police Department’s gun buy-back program. 

The 9mm handgun, which contained eight rounds of ammunition when found, was stolen from Shepard’s Bait Tackle & Pawn in 2014, said Police Chief Troy Rich.

TPD began the gun buy-back program several weeks ago in an effort to address gun violence in the city.

Firearms are surrendered at the police department in exchange for gift cards.

The guns will be destroyed by a Superior Court judge’s order as soon as the program is completed, the chief said.

A gun stolen in Tallahassee, Florida, also has been turned in.

The 30 firearms turned in include 13 handguns, 16 shotguns/rifles and one assault rifle.

To date, $2,400 in VISA gift cards has been paid for firearms turned in. Of that amount, $2,000 was from TPD’s budget and the remainder from private donations.

Rich said $1,000 remains available. 

For handguns, a $50 VISA gift card is given, a $100 card is given for rifles/shotguns and a $150 card is given for assault weapons.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820