Former Judge Arrested After Halloween Gunfire

DUNCAN, Oklahoma, November 5, 2026 — A former Stephens County judge was arrested on Halloween after police received reports of gunfire directed toward trick-or-treaters. Authorities identified the man as Jerry Herberger, 73. No injuries were reported.

Duncan police said officers responded to Linwood Lane at approximately 8:02 p.m. on October 31. Witnesses directed them to the residence associated with the reported shooting, according to the department’s statement reproduced in local coverage.

As officers prepared to contact the person inside, Herberger allegedly pointed a firearm at one of the responding officers. Police said he subsequently followed their commands, exited the residence and was arrested without further incident.

Herberger was transported to the Stephens County Jail. KSWO, citing the sheriff’s booking records, reported allegations of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, attempted murder and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. The live booking page did not display an individual entry when checked for this draft.

The police statement and reports reviewed did not identify the firearm’s make, model or caliber.

Those booking entries describe the allegations recorded at arrest; they do not establish guilt or, by themselves, confirm which charges prosecutors have formally filed. The reports reviewed for this article did not establish a plea, bond decision or next court date.

KSWO subsequently reported accounts from two witnesses who described gunfire in the direction of trick-or-treaters. The police account also credits witnesses with helping officers locate the residence. Authorities had not publicly explained a motive in the reporting reviewed.

The New York Post brought further attention to the case Thursday. Its report said attorney information was unavailable and that Herberger could not be reached for comment. An allegation of intoxication appears among the booking offenses, but the material reviewed did not include a toxicology result.

Police said the investigation remained ongoing and asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Duncan Police at 580-255-2112. A charging document or probable-cause affidavit was not obtained for this article. Herberger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.