Is a killer clown coming to your neighborhood? No seriously, this is not a laughing matter for one local sheriff who has been investigating a report of a teen attacked by someone in a clown suit.
It's likely part of the bizarre national trend of creepy clown sightings, and it has now hit Tennessee.
"We're just hoping no one gets injured or killed before it's stopped," said Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves.
His deputies have been investigating a disturbing report from a teenager in the Summitville area on Monday.
"An individual dressed in a red hoodie in a clown mask came running at him," said Graves.
That person came from the woods and slashed the teen on the arm with something sharp.
Graves said he thinks what happened is a by-product of a national trend where victims report scary encounters with clowns.
"It's people who have probably seen this on social media and think it's funny," said Graves.
He pointed to recent videos posted on Facebook.
Some cases have been pranks by someone who knew the victim, but other cases have involved strangers and the victims may be poised to strike back.
"There are people out there who are frightened of clowns," said Gary Broadrick with Performance Studios.
He said that's why clowns have been a popular Halloween costume, but Sheriff Graves has urged revelers this year to choose otherwise.
In light of recent incidents, if a person in a clown costume scares someone, Sheriff Graves said it's possible they could get shot.
Despite the warning from the sheriff and with Halloween just around the corner, Graves has expected to see more clown masks and people wearing clown outfits, but if you do, wear it with caution.
Law enforcement across the country has been taking this situation seriously.
Threats of clowns lurking in the woods or attacking students recently led to lockdowns at several schools in Alabama.
The following tips were released for parents by the National Crime Prevention Council:
- Know where your children are at all times
- Point out safe places for children to play, safe roads & paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
- Encourage children to play with others. Remember there is safety in numbers.
- Don’t talk to, take anything, or go anywhere with strangers
- Always go to a trusted adult when needing help – i.e. teacher, police officer, SRO, school bus driver, parent, older siblings, or neighbor.
- Report suspicious activity to school and police department
