Police: Clown Threats Are No Laughing Matter

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Police and school officials across Maryland are getting serious about clown-themed threats being made against schools. Arrests have been made and more can expected if the trend continues.

They are cases of fact versus fiction. So called "creepy" clown sightings spreading across the country. One of the first tales originated out of South Carolina.

Many of these claims bogus and some still under investigation, particularly those involving children being lured or clowns being violent.

A woman in a Virginia reported a clown reaching into her car and growling at her.

"When someone touches you and its an unwanted touch it is considered an assault," said Officer Tabatha Timmons of the Fredericksburg Police.

In Maryland threats of mass violence against schools by people posting as clowns on social media have become the last straw

WJZ has learned police were able to track down some the accounts back to students.

Police arrested one student in Washington County, two in Prince George's County, and four teens in Montgomery County.

"We take every threat seriously and we've been working with law enforcement all weekend long to make sure we have the resources available to deal with whatever may arise today," said Dr. Kevin Maxwell, CEO of Prince George's County Schools.

Baltimore county police told WJZ they are each threat that comes there way and say if any wrongdoing is found those responsible will be held accountable.

The message mirrors the seven other school districts in the state that have had to respond to these clown hoaxes.

"Public education is important and people should allow us to educate our children," said Maxwell.

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