A Texas woman has been arrested for pointing a loaded gun at a seven-year-old trick-or-treater celebrating Halloween with family and friends.

The incident took place in the city of Buda in Hays County in the US state of Texas while the child was walking in front of the suspect’s property.

Monica Ann Bradford, 35, is accused of leaving her home with a loaded gun before pointing it at the seven-year-old trick-or-treater on Halloween night.

Local resident 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.”

She added: “Little kid probably needs counselling. He or she is going to have to deal with that for years, no telling.”

Neighbours told the police that the suspect had her house lights on and that it appeared open for trick-or-treaters. They also said that the child’s father was nearby with a group of other kids.

However, police officers were already in the normally tranquil neighbourhood when the incident took place, and they quickly attended the scene and diffused any tension.

One resident said: “There were cops at the end of our street. They stopped us and said nobody’s allowed to go down this street, there’s an incident with a gun involved.”

“Some had guns drawn, some just had their rifles at the ready.”

Neighbour Albert Anguiano said he is thinking about halting Halloween celebrations next year, adding: “I’m about to the point where I don’t even want the kids going anymore.”

The suspect was arrested.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on 1st November: “On October 31, 2021 at approximately 7:20 pm, deputies responded to 100 block of Quarter Avenue in Buda, Texas for a report of an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

“After investigation, it was determined that a resident in that area was yelling at children who were walking outside her residence trick-or-treating.

“The resident, identified as Monica Ann Bradford, white female, 35 years of age, exited her residence with a loaded weapon and pointed it at a 7-year-old child who was walking in front of the residence.

“Bradford was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 2nd degree felony.

“Bradford was transported to the Hays County Jail. Her bond was set at USD 10,000 cash or surety.

“Hays County Sheriff’s Office detectives are still conducting interviews therefore, no further information is currently available.”