Gun shortage affects TX police agencies

ROLLINGWOOD, Texas (KXAN) - Some small law enforcement agencies in Texas say a rising demand for assault weapons and other guns is making it difficult for them to buy their own.

Police departments in Round Rock, Rollingwood and elsewhere are seeing months-long delays on tactical rifles.

Rollingwood Police Chief Dayne Pryor says he blames "panic buying" for the shortage as well as specially designed weapons proving hard to come by.

"The problems we are having are finding the rifles that are designed for law enforcement to use in a quick response involving an active shooter."

The small community just a few miles West of downtown Austin is also finding ammunition in short supply which Chief Pryor says has forced him to cease training and conserve what the force has until more ammo can be purchased.

"Ammunition is also in short supply, we cannot schedule anymore training until we find enough ammo, until that happens we have to hang on to what we have," said Pryor.

Chief Pryor says the police department is also finding it difficult to keep their current weapon arsenal maintained and up-to-par.

"Also, parts to upgrade the rifles we currently use are no where to be found," Pryor said.