Warner Robins Police Department hosts second annual Operation Lay it Down 

WARNER ROBINS — The Warner Robins Police Department hosted its second annual Operation Lay It Down at Perkins Field on Saturday, Nov. 15. The initiative aims to reduce gun violence in Houston County. 

During a press conference, Chief Wayne Fisher said the idea started after a homicide that happened on Margie Drive two years ago. 

The incident involved a 13-year-old juvenile in possession of a stolen firearm, Fisher explained. The juvenile then used the firearm, killing a 14-year-old juvenile. 

According to Fisher, the incident is still being processed.

Since then, WRPD has partnered with the community to provide a venue for parents, responsible parties or heads of households to turn in firearms that do not belong to them. He said this is to avoid danger and prevent tragedies from occurring. 

The event was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing people to anonymously turn in firearms. Fisher said the firearm will be transferred to department custody to prevent it from being used in a potential criminal act.

“We’re not transcribing anybody’s name. We’re not writing down their information. We will receive the firearms and we’ll cross them through a property evidence section to be able to determine an owner of the firearm if it’s stolen. [It] allows for us to be able to get that firearm back to its rightful owner,” he said. 

Fisher said parents may find themselves where they come across a child’s weapon. He said this could be traumatizing and challenging, leaving them with the question of how to resolve the situation. 

Fisher also explained the concept of emotional connectivity, as parents do not want to harm their children from a legal standpoint. He said they have to take into consideration that if a child shows the weapon to a responsible adult, several things can happen. 

Fisher mentioned instances where someone can shoot the child or the child can discharge the weapon, causing injury or death to someone else. He believes either case is preventable. 

“This is an activity point of looking out within our community. I’ve had to bring one too many parents for their last moments with their child in the emergency room because another child has a father who didn’t respect or appreciate what it had the potential to do,” he said. 

Fisher clarified that the police department supports the Second Amendment and the event is not a “gun buyback.” He also said the initiative is not politically driven or motivated.

Fisher also thanked the community for its support. 

“What we’re asking from the community to work in partnership with us in regards to taking these firearms,” he said.