Former Judge, 73, Accused of Firing at Halloween Children Before Pointing Gun at Police Officer

A former Oklahoma judge is accused of firing a gun toward a group of children and families out trick-or-treating on Halloween before allegedly pointing the weapon at a responding police officer.

Jerry Herberger, 73, was arrested on October 31, 2026, following the frightening incident on Linwood Lane in Duncan, Oklahoma.

Police said officers were dispatched to the neighborhood at approximately 8:02 p.m. after receiving reports that someone had discharged a firearm in the direction of trick-or-treaters.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as families walked along the street collecting candy. One mother, Amy Sanders, said Herberger began shouting at her family as they approached his property.

According to her account, he told them to stay away from his house and warned that he had a gun.

Sanders alleged that Herberger then raised the firearm and fired toward the group.

She recalled fearing for her children’s lives as the gunshot rang out. Families immediately scrambled for safety, with some running through nearby yards to escape.

Another witness also described seeing the gun fired toward the trick-or-treaters.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Gun allegedly pointed at responding officer

The situation reportedly escalated further when police arrived at Herberger’s residence.

According to the Duncan Police Department, witnesses directed officers to the property where the shooting had allegedly occurred.

As officers prepared to make contact, Herberger reportedly pointed a firearm at one of the responding officers.

He eventually followed police commands, exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

Herberger was transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Former judge faces serious charges

Herberger previously served as a judge in Stephens County, making the allegations particularly striking.

According to jail records and local media reports, he faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

He was subsequently released on bond. It was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea.

Authorities have not publicly established what prompted the alleged shooting.

For the families who witnessed the incident, the experience has left a lasting impact. Sanders said the frightening encounter had changed how her family viewed Halloween, adding that they might prefer staying home and handing out candy rather than taking their children trick-or-treating.

Police have asked anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Duncan Police Department.

No one was physically injured, but what should have been an evening of Halloween celebrations became a terrifying experience for the children and families on Linwood Lane.

Source: DAILYMAIL