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Dozens of Jacksonville gun owners have surrendered firearms since new law's inception

By Russell Colburn, Action News Jax and Action News Jax
By Russell Colburn, Action News Jax and Action News Jax
Wednesday, Florida state lawmakers will discuss a plan to expand a law that removes guns from people considered a threat to themselves or others.
Currently, law enforcement must petition a judge for a Risk Protection Order (RPO).  Under RPOs, people can lose their guns for a year.

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The expansion would allow guardians or siblings to make those petitions.
Florida’s Red Flag Law was first signed into action after the Parkland High School massacre.

Tuesday, Action News Jax cameras captured bullet holes in a home on Lexington Avenue in Fairfax.

Police said Janice Dunsford, 61, was firing out from inside her home.

Neighbors said at least one bullet went into a nearby home.

“It’s just a miracle that no one was killed or injured severely,” said neighbor Deborah Yasmine.

At the end of last year, a judge issued a RPO against Dunsford.

But court records show after repeated calls for shots fired here, authorities initiated the Baker Act.

Records show when officers searched her home, they found guns and ammo.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Dunsford for violating her RPO.

“She terrorized our neighborhood for a really long time,” Yasmine said.

Still, Jacksonville attorney Eric Friday is against expanding this law.

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"I think it's dangerous," Friday said.  "As an attorney who also practiced in the issue of family law, the number of false or frivolous petitions for domestic violence, for stalking, for repeat violence, for dating violence, we see them all the time."

When Action News Jax told you about Florida's Red Flag Law in November, JSO's RPO Unit had petitioned for three RPOs.

Through a public records request, we've learned since the law's inception, JSO has obtained 59 RPOs, and 35 people have had to surrender guns and/or ammo.

Court records show Dunsford is scheduled to appear before a judge next week.
Wednesday, the Education Committee of the Florida Senate will discuss this expansion to the law.

Cox Media Group

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