Local schools and police are on alert after several reports of creepy clown sightings across Long Island this week and vague threats on social media toward Long Island schools.
Suffolk County Police received two calls about clown sightings Wednesday evening. A group of people dressed as clowns were reportedly jumping in front of cars in Brentwood, and one person dressed as a clown was spotted in North Babylon.
A user on Twitter also reported seeing three men dressed as clowns on Commack Road Wednesday evening:
Everyone please be careful driving tonight in Brentwood. I just witnessed 3 men dressed in clown suits on Commack Rd. Coming towards my car.
— ???????? (@MoodyMelz) September 29, 2016
Stu Cameron, chief of Suffolk County Police Department, said the motives of the clowns “could not be determined.”
“The Department reminds the public false reporting and intentional harassment or disturbing of the peace can lead to legal consequences,” Cameron said. He added that anyone engaging in such behavior could be arrested or be issued a violation under New York State penal law.
Friday morning, Principal Charles Regan sent out a recorded phone call to parents of Riverhead High School students, saying that the school is aware of the clown sightings as well as “unspecified threats to schools on Long Island” being made on social media.
“At this time there are no credible threats to Riverhead High School,” Regan said. “The district security and local police are aware and being vigilant.”
Sinister-looking clowns have been appearing in towns across the country since August. Some have even been reportedly brandishing weapons. No weapons were reported in any of the Long Island clown sightings.
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