ST. LOUIS, MO – A Halloween event in St. Louis County took a terrifying turn when an off-duty police officer, Matthew McCulloch, allegedly brandished his badge and fired his gun into the air. As of Monday, McCulloch is no longer employed by the police department, a spokesperson confirmed.
Officer Adrian Washington of the St. Louis County Police Department stated that McCulloch’s association with the department ended last Thursday. Washington refrained from commenting on whether McCulloch was terminated or resigned, referring to it as an internal matter. Prior to this, McCulloch had been on unpaid administrative leave.
McCulloch now faces a slew of charges, including child endangerment, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, and making a terrorist threat. These charges are linked to his behavior at a school-organized Halloween event in Kirkwood, a suburb of St. Louis, on October 15. The event was attended by hundreds of children and their parents.
Police reports suggest that McCulloch threatened several attendees, stating, “you are all going to die.” When confronted by a man who pushed him to the ground, McCulloch allegedly revealed his badge and a handgun. He then reportedly fired multiple shots into the air, reiterating his threat. The crowd, including many children, scrambled for safety. McCulloch was eventually tackled and disarmed by several attendees.
McCulloch’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. McCulloch is currently in jail on a $500,000 bond, with a hearing scheduled for Friday to consider his request for a bond reduction.