Clowns make people laugh. They make other people shrink in terror. No matter how you feel about clowns, one thing is for certain: Seeing them in your local woods would give cause for concern.
That is exactly what has been happening in Greensboro, North Carolina. The first report was of a clown in blue pants, a yellow shirt and red wig. The person was also wearing a scary clown mask and carrying a machete. The clown ran into local woods after being chased by a witness who then called police.
Since late August, the scene has repeated several times. People call police, reporting clown sightings and when police respond, there is no clown to be found. Just weeks before the first sighting in N.C., a family in South Carolina called police to report that a clown was trying to lure children into the woods. A second report was taken of a clown standing near the dumpster in the same apartment complex.
In recent weeks, there have been nearly six reports of menacing clowns in the area bordering the two states. In each instance, no clown has been found. The lack of evidence is beginning to cast doubt on the truth of the reports. Others are speculating that the clowns may be a viral campaign for a new Rob Zombie movie.
Greenville authorities have released a statement that anyone caught in public wearing a clown costume faces arrest, at least for now. Police chief Ken Miller released a statement that said, in part, “It’s inappropriate, and it’s creating community concern, so it needs to stop.”
North Carolina authorities have not threatened arrest, but they are telling the public that now may not be the best time to wear their favorite clown costume outside of the house.
Legitimate clowns are working to distance themselves from these creepy copycats.
Anyone who sees a clown in the woods or otherwise acting suspiciously is encouraged to call their local authorities. Do not give chase on your own.
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