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

A former St. Louis County police officer, Matthew McCulloch, was sentenced to five years of probation for discharging a firearm at a trick-or-treating event in Kirkwood, Missouri, and making terroristic threats. McCulloch, 40, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful use of a weapon, although several other charges were dismissed as part of his plea deal.

The incident occurred in October 2023, during a busy community event attended by hundreds. McCulloch, who was off-duty at the time and present with his family, began harassing attendees by threatening them and shouting, "You are all going to die." This alarming behavior escalated when he showed his handgun and badge after an altercation with another man who had pushed him to the ground.

Witnesses reported that McCulloch fired approximately a dozen shots into the air, prompting panic among trick-or-treaters and their families, who sought safety from the gunfire. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported, but the event left many of the attendees, especially children, traumatized.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith expressed her respect for the court's decision, emphasizing the relief that no one was physically harmed during the incident. She noted that the sentence could offer some semblance of closure to the victims affected by McCulloch's alarming actions.

Although law enforcement confirmed that McCulloch was no longer associated with the department following the incident, further details regarding his employment status were not disclosed. The case highlights the significant impact of his behavior on the community and the potential repercussions of such actions by individuals in positions of authority.