Dave Spade helps police buy guns

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Former Phoenix resident David Spade says he donated $100,000 to the Phoenix Police Department to help them "do their jobs."

As a result of Spade's donation, police will be armed with 50 AR-15 high-powered rifles, FoxNews.com reports. The weapons are necessary to help combat Mexican drug cartels infiltrating the city.

"These guys need to be able to do their jobs, and I am just happy I could help," Spade said via his publicist, FoxNews.com said.

Spade was reportedly spurred to action by Fox News TV report that said police officers -- overwhelmed by criminals from across the border -- were looking to buy their own high-powered weapons.

Phoenix police spokesmen said Spade's gift will raise the department's cache of such weapons to 300.