Arrest Made in Missouri ‘Trunk-Or-Treat’ Shooting Incident

A “trunk-or-treat” event held for elementary school students in Missouri was abruptly disrupted by gunfire from an individual who witnesses described as “aggressive” and “verbally abusive,” according to authorities who announced.

The suspect, Matthew P. McCulloch, a 39-year-old police officer from St. Louis County, has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly threatening attendees with death and firing 11 rounds from his firearm. The details surrounding the incident were provided by a sworn affidavit from a Kirkwood, Missouri police officer included in McCulloch’s criminal complaint.

Fortunately, no one was harmed during the shooting incident. In addition to his arrest, McCulloch is also the subject of an internal police investigation.

The Kirkwood Police Department released a statement explaining that McCulloch and his family were attending the event at Kirkwood North Middle School, which was attended by numerous local children and their parents. Trunk-or-treat events offer an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, allowing the community to gather in one location while costumed children visit parked cars to receive candy.

Authorities stated that McCulloch approached several individuals at the event and made aggressive remarks, including threats such as “You are all going to die.”

In one instance, after the officer made threats against a person and their spouse, they shoved McCulloch in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground. Subsequently, McCulloch brandished his gun and badge, firing multiple rounds into the air while yelling that the attendees would perish.

During the shooting, some children became separated from their parents, leading school staff to intervene and provide shelter. Four particularly distressed children were observed frantically seeking cover, according to the charging document.

Momentarily, several bystanders managed to subdue McCulloch and confiscate his weapon, leading to his subsequent arrest.

Court records confirm that McCulloch is currently held on $500,000 bond and has been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, five counts of armed criminal action, making a terrorist threat, and unlawful use of weapons. The affidavit underscores McCulloch’s status as a police officer, his access to weapons, and the alarming and violent nature of the alleged crime committed during a public event, emphasizing the potential danger he poses to the community.