San Diego : Gun Seizures Up; Most Come From Domestic Fights

There was a 17% increase in the number of guns seized by San Diego police last year, but department officials believe a growing population rather than increased crime was the cause.

There were 2,623 guns seized by city police in 1985, compared to 2,247 in 1984.

It was domestic disputes, not crime, that brought in the most weapons. Police often confiscate weapons when responding to calls about family fights because of the potential of violence.

Officer Sean Donovan, in charge of the department’s gun desk, said most guns confiscated in 1985 were in the victimless crime category, which includes domestic disputes. A total of 624 guns in that category were seized during the year, compared to 536 the previous year.

Last year, 326 firearms were confiscated after being used in “crimes against persons.” This category includes offenses such as homicide, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Guns seized in that category in 1984 totaled 340.

Gun sales in San Diego remained steady last year, with 7,482 weapons sold, compared to 7,487 the previous year.

However, Donovan said the number of combat-style weapons--civilian versions of submachine guns and military automatic rifles--increased, although not in the “magnitude that would suggest the public is gearing up for war.”

Donovan said such weapons were unavailable at retail stores several years ago and that their sale may have been spurred by war movies like “Rambo.”