A former St. Louis police officer is sentenced to probation for shooting at trick-or-treating event

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) -- A former St. Louis County police officer, Matthew McCulloch, was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and making a terroristic threat. The multiple counts stem from a shocking incident during a trick-or-treating event in October 2023, where McCulloch fired a gun into the air and threatened bystanders.

McCulloch, 40, was off-duty at the time and reportedly began harassing event attendees, even declaring, "You are all going to die." The situation escalated when a man confronted McCulloch, resulting in the officer displaying his handgun and badge before discharging the firearm multiple times into the sky.

Fortunately, no one was physically harmed during the alarming episode, but the event left many in attendance, particularly children, feeling traumatized. Local prosecutors expressed relief that there were no injuries and emphasized the impact of McCulloch's actions on the community.

Following the incident, authorities confirmed that McCulloch was no longer employed by the police department, although specific details regarding his termination were not disclosed. The sentencing reflects the seriousness of his actions and recognizes the potential danger posed to the attendees, particularly children.

In a statement, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith acknowledged the court's decision and expressed hope that the sentence would provide some measure of closure for the victims of McCulloch's reckless behavior.