Knife-Wielding Michigan Girl In Clown Mask Chased Students At Bus Stop, Police Say

EAST LANSING (WWJ) - A clown mask and two kitchen knives were brought to school Friday morning by a 12-year old girl in East Lansing, according to police.

When officials at MacDonald Middle School found the knives, 8 and 9 inches long, in the girl's backpack they called the police.

"We then learned that, apparently, at the bus stop — which is located in Meridian Township — that the same young girl actually had the mask on and was chasing other school-age kids around with the knives to scare them," said East Lansing Police Lt. Scott Wrigglesworth.

No one was injured, but the preteen may face charges.

An investigation is ongoing.

"We've got Meridian Township involved; we'll end up involving probate court and the schools, and we'll see what appropriate action will be taken against this child," Wrigglesworth said. "Remember, she's 12 years old, but (these are) pretty significant actions to be committed by a 12-year-old, even if it was just a joke."

The girl's name has not been released.

[Rumors, Reports Of Creepy Clown Sightings At Schools Across Metro Detroit]

This incident comes amid a trend of clown sightings and scares around schools and elsewhere across the state and the nation — as well as some more serious clown-related crimes.

While some in law enforcement have said it's not illegal simply to dress as a clown, many have cautioned those who would consider it. In Troy, police say they're taking a "no warnings" approach, and anyone dressed as a clown on school property will be arrested.

Meantime, the FBI is searching for "armed and dangerous" man who wore a clown mask when he held up banks and hotels in several Michigan communities.