Pennsylvania has become the latest state to join the “Clownpocalypse,” but authorities there are telling residents not to take clown control into their own hands.
Easton, Pottsville, and Phillipsburg, Pa. residents say they’ve been harassed by “creepy clowns,” who are wandering around in packs, scaring children. Police say they’ve received several calls about the clowns, but have yet to nab anyone in costume.
In one case, near Philadelphia, police responded to a complaint about two clowns yelling at kids on a playground, but were unable to locate the offending jesters.
In Phillipsburg, Pa., residents say they are under siege by a group of clowns who have so far evaded law enforcement.
On Sunday, police responded to a situation involving three clowns, who “came out of the woods and chased a kid,” according to official reports. On Monday, three separate clown incidents were reported: one involving a man dressed as a clown walking along a main road, one of a clown with a toy sword chasing a child, and one of a truck with “multiple clowns hanging out the windows.” Monday afternoon, children also reported seeing clowns hanging around a nearby elementary school.
Police were unable to locate any of the clowns.
Authorities are urging residents to use common sense when dealing with rogue clowns, to keep calm, and to call authorities instead of handling the situation by themselves. Police are also encouraging parents to instruct children in handling stranger danger: “You see somebody in a clown mask, don’t go talk to them.”
Most importantly, don’t hunt the clowns, say Phillipsburg police. Shooting clowns on sight could have serious consequences, not just for the clown, but for the hunter.
“If somebody’s running around with a sword,” said Philllipsburg Police Capt. Robert Stettner told meda. “We have more of an issue. People are allowed to walk around with a clown mask.”