Former judge arrested for unloading gun at Halloween trick-or-treaters, cops say

A former judge has been arrested after unloading a gun in the direction of Halloween trick-or-treaters, cops say.

​Jerry Herberger, a 73-year-old former Stephens County, Oklahoma, judge, fired at the trick-or-treaters on October 31 at a property in Duncan, Oklahoma. The Duncan Police Department said that officers responded to the incident at 8.02 p.m. and were directed to the address by witnesses.

​Upon their arrival, Herberger pointed his firearm at one of the officers at the scene.

However, he eventually followed officers’ demands and left the residence. Then, the 73-year-old was arrested and transported to the Stephens County Jail.

​“We are grateful that no one was reported injured and that everyone involved is safe,” police say.

​The former judge faces three charges, including attempted murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm while intoxicated, according to jail records reviewed by The Independent.

Authorities have yet to release more details about the incident or why he allegedly shot at others.

​The Independent has contacted the Duncan Police Department for further comment.

​As with countless cities across the United States, Halloween is a major night in Duncan - which is located around 80 miles south of Oklahoma City.

​Ahead of the festivities, the City of Duncan had encouraged all of its residents to stay safe during the citywide trick-or-treating event.

​“We encourage all (sic) everyone to drive safely and watch out for the kiddos!” a Facebook post by a city council spokesperson read. “#DunCAN”

​The city is known as the Crepemyrtle Capital of Oklahoma, after the city began planting the trees as part of a beautification effort. The Crepemyrtle Trail now intersects with the Chisholm Trail - a historic cattle route running from Texas through to Kansas.