Woman arrested after ‘pointing loaded weapon’ at trick-or-treater, 7, in Texas

A Texas woman has been arrested after allegedly pointing a loaded weapon at a 7-year-old trick-or-treater.

Monica Bradford, 37, was arrested by Hays County deputies after the incident in Buda on Halloween night.

Speaking to Fox 7 Austin, neighbour Connie Medina said: “I was in shock. It’s Halloween, there are kids everywhere, how can somebody just come out with a weapon and scare these kids.”

Medina told reporters that Bradford asked her who was in her driveway. When Medina said she didn’t know, she alleges that Bradford replied: “Fine, since you can’t tell me, I’m going to go get my shotgun.”

A parent then called police, who were able to de-escalate the situation.

A different neighbour alleges that this is the second Halloween in a row that there’s been an “incident” with “this particular neighbour”.

Bradford was taken into custody and brought to Hays County Jail. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and her bond was set at $10,000.

In a statement, Hays County Sheriff’s Office said: “Hays County Sheriff’s Office detectives are still conducting interviews therefore, no further information is currently available. If you have any information regarding this investigation, contact JB Baker 512-393-7814.”

Earlier this year a bill passed in Texas that allows anyone over the age of 21 to carry a handgun without a permit, so long as they do not have past criminal convictions or any other legal prohibitions.

Previously, people would be required to have a licence, training, and background checks before being permitted to carry a handgun.