Keeping a Found Handgun?

Question

Ok, I found a S&W .38special handgun, loaded in a holster at an intersection today, already working for the government, I followed channels and turned the gun (unloaded) to the proper police department. They had me fill out a statement, ran the serial number and stated that it wasn't reported stolen. Now, barring its use in a crime, I would like to assume ownership of said weapon, the police didn't know if that was legal, stating normaly the weapon is destroyed.

CAN I BECOME THE ONWER OF THIS HANDGUN, being a CCW holder, I know the value of this weapon, and would like to have, if the gun comes back clean, then is just like finding anything else, right?

Would love help, In the Dayton, Ohio area

Ok, I DID TURN IN THE HAND GUN, so far the police stated it wasn't reported stolen, if not used in a crime, I should be allowed to go retrieve it and become the owner right?

Answer 1

I would be careful about keeping guns you found, wipe your finger prints off of it, it could have been used in a crime. Don't sell it, if it was used in a crime you can get the blame. Take that gun to the authority's with your finger prints wiped off.

Answer 2

The PD will have a policy for found property. Call them and ask...

I know at our department, found property excluding contraband or weapons is released after 90 days to the findee. No luck here if you handed in the gun....

Answer 3

Okay you work for the Gov. so you don't make tons of money-but I would strongly suggest saying good bye to the.38 and if you really want a CCW go through the correct channels and buy a gun of your own.

In this case I would not assume finders/keepers

Answer 4

I wouldn't want it.  Do they check a national database or just local?

Just go to a gun store and buy one.

Answer 5

I would not do that unless I had papers in my hand stating it was free and clear you never know

Answer 6

Ohio law makes it a crime for anyone to knowingly fail to immediately report to law enforcement authorities the loss or theft of any firearm or dangerous ordnance in that person's possession or control. A violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree, which is punishable by up to 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $ 750.00.

So, I would imagine that it will be reported as lost or stolen, if the gun is registered to someone in Ohio.

If not, it is probably going to be held in the property room for one year to see if anyone files a lost or stolen report on it.

After that, it would normally be destroyed.

You can contact the Dayton Police Department, and request that you be allowed to keep the weapon if no one claims it. Because it is a firearm they may have to destroy it anyway.

Answer 7

My bet is that you'll never see it again. The police will track the serial number to it's last registered owner,,,who will have to answer a lot of questions about why his loaded gun was left at an intersection.