A former St. Louis police officer is sentenced to probation for...

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - A former St. Louis County police officer, Matthew McCulloch, was sentenced to five years of probation on Thursday for firing a gun into the air during a trick-or-treating event and making alarming threats. McCulloch, 40, pleaded guilty in January to multiple counts, including endangering the welfare of a child and making a terroristic threat. While no specific sentencing recommendation was made as part of his plea, several charges were dismissed.

The incident occurred in October 2023 at a school-sponsored Halloween event in Kirkwood, where hundreds of attendees were present. McCulloch, who was off-duty and at the event with his family, allegedly began harassing individuals, ominously declaring, "You are all going to die." His threatening behavior escalated when he displayed his firearm after being pushed to the ground by another man.

Witnesses reported that McCulloch then discharged his weapon into the air approximately a dozen times, causing panic among the trick-or-treaters, who ran for safety. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, but local authorities confirmed that many participants suffered emotional distress from the experience.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith expressed her relief that no physical injuries occurred, and she hoped the sentence would provide some closure for those affected, especially the children. The incident raised concerns about the safety and conduct of individuals in positions of authority.

Following the event, police confirmed that McCulloch was no longer employed by the department, although they did not disclose further details regarding his departure.