Connecticut Clown Pranks are No Laughing Matter: State Police

Connecticut State Police are warning would-be clown pranksters that there could be serious consequences to their actions.

"While it is not illegal to dress as a clown, it is illegal to do so with the intent of causing alarm," police said in a release. "Individuals dressing as clowns and engaging in threatening or alarming behavior will be immediately addressed by law enforcement."

Social media posts that incite violence or allude to creating fear will be handled as criminal matters.

At least five individuals have been taken into custody throughout Connecticut. Three individuals were arrested in Ansonia in connection with social media threats.

Related:

• Creepy Clown Reports Popping Up in Several Connecticut Towns
• Ansonia Police Arrest Suspects in 'Creepy Clown' Threats at Local Schools
• 'Scary Clown' Rumors Send UConn Students into the Cemetery and Streets With Hockey Sticks and Golf Clubs
• Creepy Clown Threats Prompt Police Presence at Wallingford Schools
• Vandal Tags Meriden Car with Clown Graffiti, Vulgar Marking
• Naugatuck Police Investigate Clown Messages
• 2 Teens Arrested for Creepy Clown Posts on Social Media in Naugatuck: UPDATE
• Creepy Clown Rumors Prompt Police Presence at Cheshire, North Haven Schools
• ‘Creepy’ Clown Threat Targets Wallingford Schools, Prompts Police Presence

Connecticut saw a large wave of clown-related threats and hoaxes in the past few days. Several colleges, including the University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac University and Fairfield University, had clown-related incidents.

A number of social media posts led UConn students to take to the streets armed with hockey sticks and golf clubs in search of menacing clowns.

Local communities also had to contend with clown matters. New Haven, Wallingford, Danbury and Naugatuck were among some towns that dealt with clown issues. Security was increased at a number of schools throughout the state after menacing social media posts.

"These incidents are similar... to the swatting incidents we’ve dealt with in the past where resources are carelessly misdirected," police said. "Situations such as these waste valuable resources and can lead to injuries to both first responders and members of the public."

Image via State Police