Former Oklahoma Judge Accused of Firing at Halloween Trick-or-Treaters Before Pointing Gun at Police Officer

A Halloween night filled with costumes, candy and neighborhood celebrations took a frightening turn in Duncan, Oklahoma, when a former judge allegedly fired a gun in the direction of trick-or-treaters before pointing the weapon at a responding police officer. Jerry Herberger, 73, was arrested on October 31 after authorities received reports of gunfire near children and families celebrating the holiday. Thankfully, police said no injuries were reported, but the incident has raised serious concerns about what happened during the confrontation.

According to the Duncan Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence on Linwood Lane at approximately 8:02 p.m. after receiving information that someone had allegedly discharged a firearm toward trick-or-treaters. Witnesses directed officers to the property, where they encountered Herberger. As police approached, the former judge allegedly raised or pointed a firearm at one of the responding officers, turning an already alarming call into a potentially deadly confrontation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed how many shots were fired or how close the children were when the gun was allegedly discharged.

Police said Herberger eventually followed their commands and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Stephens County Jail. According to jail records and local media reports, he faces allegations including assault and battery with a deadly weapon, attempted murder and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. Records also indicate that he was later released on bond. It was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea or how the case would proceed in court.

The arrest attracted additional attention because Herberger was not an ordinary resident with no public history. He previously served as a Stephens County judge in Oklahoma, a position he held after working as an assistant district attorney. His former role in the local justice system has made the allegations particularly striking. However, his previous judicial career does not establish what happened on Halloween night, and investigators have not publicly explained what may have prompted the reported gunfire.

The most important detail for families in the neighborhood is that authorities reported no injuries among the trick-or-treaters, residents or responding officers. Halloween is traditionally one of the busiest evenings for children walking through residential streets, often after dark and in large groups. The reported incident could have ended very differently if anyone had been struck or if the confrontation with police had escalated. Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting or whether Herberger knew any of the people involved.

The investigation remains ongoing as Herberger faces serious allegations stemming from the incident. Police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Duncan Police Department. For the families who were out celebrating that night, the experience may be remembered less for Halloween traditions than for the frightening moment when gunfire reportedly disrupted their neighborhood. Herberger has not been convicted of the alleged offenses and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: PEOPLE