WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- A police department in Luzerne County is changing a policy following a shooting at a Wal-Mart parking lot near Wilkes-Barre.
The Wilkes-Barre Township police department is now requiring officers to carry stronger fire power.
Police believe Scott Sargent of Shenandoah was firing into the air with an AR-15 rifle, but on-duty police in the township didn't have a rifle of their own with them at the time.
“It used to be optional for the watch commander or whoever is in charge of the shift to carry a long gun or a shotgun,” said Sgt. Mark Hampton of the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department.
Now, following the weekend shooting, the township police force is requiring officers to carry one long gun in at least one on-duty patrol car.
"If you have an active shooter situation, it gives you more distance away from that active shooter to be able to react and take action,” Hampton said.
Wilkes-Barre Township police hope by adding that stronger fire power, they'll be on a level field with the bad guys.
"I think our police officers are facing a lot nowadays and they need to have, be best equipped, so stronger firearm rules and allowances are great," said Margaret Perhach.
Alex Cavallini of Millville added, “I think whatever they need to keep the public a little more safe. I mean, you've got to do what you've got to do."
The Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department is still looking at other changes to make to the department, but overall, officers believe the situation was well-handled.
As for Scott Sargent, the alleged shooter, he was arraigned on attempted homicide charges Tuesday night. Authorities have not yet said what prompted him to start firing in the first place.
