Bath police buy new rifles

The Bath Police Department purchased three MP-15 semi-automatic rifles and a new personal computer for the office with funds received from a $2,000 Governor’s Technology grant.

Police Chief Craig Pearrell said Delegate Daryl Cowles was instrumental in obtaining the grant.

A rifle will be deployed in each of the town’s police cruisers. Bath police officers will undergo rifle training conducted by Corporal Anthony Peer of the West Virginia State Police.

The Smith & Wesson MP-15 rifles come with a 30 round magazine.

Asked why they needed the rifles, Pearrell said, “In case we get into a situation where we need long range fire. Any police department will tell you that officers are often outgunned when responding to domestic calls.”