PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Police Bureau is buying 46 tactical rifles to give officers better range and power following a shooting that left three officers dead earlier this month.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifles are the same as those used by the city's SWAT unit.

Deputy Chief Paul Donaldson says with training, an officer could hit a target up to 300 yards away.

Police carry handguns and the bureau has some shotguns, but shotguns are largely ineffective beyond 50 yards. Police say they hope not to have to use the rifles, but want the option.

Police have been reviewing gun needs for some time, but the killings of officers Eric Kelly, Paul Sciullo II and Stephen Mayhle underscored the need.

The new rifles will go into use in June.

HARRISBURG - A Penn State student is charged with being part of a million-dollar drug ring.State Attorney General Tom Corbett says 23-year-old student Paul Spara of Ruffs Dale bought more than 400 pounds of marijuana from a New York resident to supply current and former students.Investigators say Spara bought 10 to 50 pounds of marijuana a week from Jason Remington of Saquoit, N.Y., and sold some to fraternity members who in turn sold to other students.Spara is charged with 13 counts of possession with intent to deliver while Remington faces four counts. They both face conspiracy and other charges.

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh has hired a Maryland contractor to tear down a 110-year-old bridge that's in danger of collapsing.Controlled Demolition will be paid up to $758,000 to demolish the Davis Avenue Bridge on May 6.The overpass closed to vehicles in 2001, but a consultant said it could collapse soon. Several residents who live below the bridge are being given $200 a day until it's safe for them to return.Controlled Demolition imploded Three Rivers Stadium in 2001.

MOUNT LEBANON - A trial has begun for a Western Pennsylvania oral surgeon accused of sexually assaulting 17 female patients.The defense for 44-year-old Dr. Robert Boyda Jr. says the women suffered from hallucinations caused by propofol, an anesthetic used ahead of surgery. The defense says the drug is known to cause vivid sexual dreams.Boyda has been charged with several counts of sexual assault and related charges. Initially, he was accused of assaulting 20 women, but three cases were dropped at the start of the trial on Monday because the statute of limitations had expired.