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, has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a frightening incident at a trick-or-treating event. In January, McCulloch admitted to six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a terroristic threat, and unlawful use of a weapon, with several charges dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

The incident took place in October 2023, during a school-sponsored event in Kirkwood, Missouri, where hundreds of families were present. According to police reports, McCulloch, while off-duty, began harassing attendees, threatening them by exclaiming, "You are all going to die." After a confrontation with another attendee, McCulloch displayed his handgun and badge before discharging the weapon several times into the air.

Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as frightened trick-or-treaters fled for safety. Fortunately, police were able to intervene quickly, with bystanders managing to tackle McCulloch and confiscate his firearm. Although no one was physically harmed during the incident, prosecutors noted the psychological toll it took on those present, particularly on the children who were involved.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith expressed relief that no one was injured and emphasized the traumatic impact on victims, especially the children who experienced the event. She indicated that the sentence might provide some closure for those affected by McCulloch's alarming actions.

Following the incident, authorities revealed that McCulloch no longer worked for the police department, although they provided no further details regarding his termination. The case highlights the serious implications of reckless behavior, especially by individuals in positions of trust and authority.