Watch CBS News

Troy Police Post Stern Message To Clowns Amid Sightings, Scares Nationwide

TROY, Mich. (WWJ) - Wipe that smile off your face, creepy clown. Police in one Oakland County community have a stern message for you.

There's been a wave of clown sightings around the U.S. — causing panic and a social media frenzy.

Locally, Troy police say a clown spotted on the campus of Athens High School scared students and worried parents. Police identified and spoke with that clown and determined there was no threat.

Sergeant Meghan Lehman says, in light of this incident and others, police aren't laughing.

"We just want them to know this isn't all necessarily fun and games," she told WWJ's Zahra Huber. "If you're at a school, causing a disturbance or on private property — you just can't do that. You've gotta obey the law."

A Facebook post on the official Troy Police Department page reads, "DEAR CLOWNS: Clowns that break the law, including trespassing and threatening people, are subject to arrest just like anybody else...We support having fun and getting in to the Halloween spirit, but please do so in a law abiding and safe way."

Lehman said, while this may seem silly coming from law enforcement, clowning around can become a serious matter.

"I would actually be more concerned for the clown's safety. They may go out thinking they're just joking around having fun, but at the same time, people are quick to defend themselves," Lehman said.

"So they need to be cognizant of how people would perceive them; they may perceive them as a threat. That could be a safety issue."

[MORE: Creepy Clown Sighting In Metro Detroit: Hoax Or The Real Deal?]

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.