'Red Flag' state gun seizures

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker says a ‘red flag’ state is basically a state is working to make sure those who have a gun are fit to do so; only five states practice this, including Indiana.

Gun control remains a hot topic in Washington following several deadly attacks, most recently the Parkland Florida high school shooting, leaving 17 dead.

ABC57 is digging deeper into how the state of Indiana works to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Tim Ramer, a gun owner, explains why an AR-15 is so special.

"This is not an assault rifle and everyone should be able to shoot this,” says Ramer with his gun in hand.

He’s been shooting since he was a young boy and carries a gun with him almost every time he leaves the house.

“I am a law abiding citizen who carries a gun and if could stop something bad from happening, that’s what I want to do."

Among the guns he owns is an AR-15.

“This is the AR15 that’s getting so much publicity right now,” explains NRA certified instructor Frank Markiewicz. “The trigger has to be pressed each time for the gun to fire.”

This gun, as we know, was the one used in February’s high school shooting in Florida, but Ramer says he’s just exercising his right.

“I enjoy shooting it, it’s a great gun to shot with as you just witnessed,” says Ramer.

Markiewicz prepped ABC7’s Diana Gutierrez for her first shot.

“This is how you’re going to approach a hand gun, this finger stays straight,” he explained.

Within a few seconds the first shots were fired. “Guns are what you want to make them,” says Ramer. “It’s an object to have fun with; if you want it’s also an object that can cause a lot of damage if you want."

Markiewicz agrees saying he’ll take his chance on someone who is armed, “There’s a good chance with a rifle or a handgun they will miss."

Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker says Indiana follows a law dubbed as ‘Red Flag.’

“…that allowed police to seize deadly weapons, guns, from individuals that deemed to be dangerous,” says Becker. “It’s been about five years since I personally handled one."

Police obtain the guns through a warrant or a criminal investigation, the state then proves it in court.

“You can’t just take their guns without going through these statutory procedures,” says Becker.

Prosecutor Becker adds the guns could be returned to the owner if they prove they are fit within 6 months; if not, more time is granted.