A police officer from the St. Louis County Police in Missouri, Matthew McCulloch, has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly firing his gun at a Halloween party for children while off duty. The incident occurred on October 15 during a “Trunk-or-Treat” event in Kirkwood, Missouri, where hundreds of parents and children were present.
According to court documents, McCulloch aggressively approached multiple partygoers and threatened a man and his wife. In response, the man pushed McCulloch, causing him to fall to the ground. McCulloch then stood up, displayed his handgun and badge, and fired his weapon into the air approximately a dozen times while shouting threats that the attendees would die.
Witnesses reported that McCulloch had a menacing grin on his face when he fired the shots. Chaos ensued, with one child even running out of their shoes. Multiple witnesses eventually tackled McCulloch and disarmed him.
McCulloch has been charged with 11 felony counts, including endangering the welfare of children, unlawful use of a weapon, and first-degree terrorist threat. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. McCulloch’s father, Robert McCulloch, a former St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, released a statement expressing gratitude that no one was physically injured but acknowledging the emotional trauma caused by the incident.
Tillman Elementary School, where the event was being held, canceled school the following day and provided counseling and support services to affected students.
The St. Louis County Police have suspended McCulloch without pay and initiated an internal investigation into the matter.