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, has been sentenced to five years of probation for his reckless actions during a trick-or-treating event in October 2023. McCulloch, 40, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, making a terroristic threat, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The incident occurred at a school-sponsored event in Kirkwood, where McCulloch, who was off-duty and attending with his family, began to harass attendees. Witnesses reported that he threatened people by saying, "You are all going to die," escalating tensions in a crowd of hundreds of children and families. After being confronted by another attendee, McCulloch brandished his handgun and badge.

In a moment of grave danger, McCulloch fired his gun into the air approximately a dozen times, prompting chaos as trick-or-treaters ran for cover. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the alarming situation left many participants, especially children, traumatized.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith expressed relief that no physical harm resulted from the incident and noted the impact on the victims. She stated that the court's decision aims to bring closure to those affected, particularly the children who were witnesses to the terrifying events.

Following the incident, police confirmed that McCulloch was no longer employed with the department, though details surrounding his departure were not provided.